"The History of the Netherlands" by Julia de Vries
The earliest histories of the Netherlands are uncertain, as with all ancient empires. It is well established, however, that the first signs of civilization date from about 4000 BC, nearly six thousand years ago. In the early years, contact has been established with a number of nearby empires, namely Persia, Sumeria, Australia and Scotland, as well as some minor tribes.
It is in these times, that Peter Bergsma speaks of the first wars with Persia. These wars, primarily fought around present-day Susa, were about control of Susa's river area, situated in between the hearts of the Netherlands and Persia. Though Persia was originally the stronger party - as shown by Susa's ethymological history, which shows roots of the now-extinct Persian language - the Netherlands eventually gained the advantage and conquered the city.
However, the wars had severely weakened the Netherlands, and dark times fell. A new form of government, however, appeared, and with the better coordination that the oligarchy granted, the Dutch managed to push on in a new war with Persia. Aided immensely by the Australians, who invaded Persia from the east, they managed to conquer Pasargadae, the capital of Persia. Though the Netherlands had to relinquish control to Australia soon after, this marked a change for the Dutch, soon followed by the first naval explorations and the discovery of the captivating Cliffs of Dover. As science became more and more respected in the Netherlands, times started to look much, much brighter.
The medieval era, for the Dutch, is characterized by king William IV and consul William I, whose policies of expansion and infrastructure characterise most of that time span. When the medieval era started, what is now considered the very core of the Netherlands - Amsterdam, Susa, The Hague and Utrecht - was the entire empire. When the medieval era ended, the reach had expanded all the way to the west coast, to Delft and Batavia.
The end of the medieval era, however, was the start of a downfall. Though leadership attempted to avert this by turning the nation's eyes toward a thinly justified war with Sumeria, creating belief and hope these times would continue, it soon turned out the Dutch army was thoroughly underequipped and stood no chance against the Sumerian army. After a hasty peace deal was made, the Netherlands turned their attention towards the east coast of the Oostzee. And then it turned out that even what was considered barbarian tribes could hardly be defeated by what was considered an army. After hardfought battles and many losses, Maastricht and Rotterdam were settled, but at the dawn of the industrial era, the Netherlands were but a shadow of their former glory. Technological advancement had come to a standstill, Dutch culture was not much more well known, and the infrastructure was no more advanced than it had been in medieval times.
In these dark times, it was David de Jonge who single-handedly brought the Dutch civilization back on track. He showed the Dutch that their glory was not to be in war, but rather in exploration and expressment of themselves, and encouraged trade and infrastructure. In barely more than a lifetime, the Netherlands turned from a backwards country into a scientific, indistrial and cultural powerhouse, set to conquer the future. It's achievements in these times may not have been the biggest, but they were numerous, and in all areas, and it was said there was no citizen to be found who had not been impressed by something that had happened in his or her lifetime, and together they looked toward a bright future.
The great minds and artists of the world had started to flock to the Netherlands, and they showed no sign of stopping. The first communistic - and later democratic - state in the world was founded. Archeologists started uncovering secrets of the past. And perhaps most importantly, the Netherlands were the first to realize that age-long dream of flight. In these times, the Dutch culture became well-known all over the world, and it's environmentalist movement started designating national parks for all to enjoy - Dutch and foreigners.
It is often said that no times as great as these came over the Netherlands any more, but that is simply because it is impossible to compare to those generations who overcame their many troubles to achieve greatness, as certainly the many Dutch writers, artists and muscians of recent times created many works to envy. Indeed, such has been the influence of Dutch culture, that all over the world, people wear Dutch clothing. They listen Dutch music. They use Dutch expressions in almost every sentence. They go on Holiday to the Netherlands.
What does it matter if the Netherlands are not the first to reach Mars? For certainly, we have conquered the world. It is no overstatement, when looking at Dutch history, to say that the peaceful Dutch influence has been what has brought many nations of this world together, to achieve something that approaches world peace.
Edit:
I WON ON DEITY!!!!!
