Dutch historical accounts go back as far as the 1st century B.C. During that era the Netherlands was inhabited by German and Celtic tribes. When the Roman empire conquered the region peace and prosperity reigned. About 300 years later the area fell under different German tribes but it was the Franks who eventually prevailed. Around 800 A.D. the country was ruled by King Charlemagne.

During the following two centuries many towns were being fortified to safeguard the cities from frequent Scandinavian raids. Between the 12th and 14th century the area became a center of commerce and trade. In the 16th century Charles V took control of the area known as the Low countries. Soon after the Netherlands was in the hands of Philip II, Charles' son. During his rule oppression led to a war for independence. Meanwhile the Protestant church started an anti-catholic campaign and eventually had to face Spanish troops sent by Philip. in 1568, Prince William of Orange led a revolt and managed to take under control most of the Northern region. Following the Union of Utrehct Provinces from the North and some of the South joined together to form a group that eventually would become the Netherlands.

In the year 1648 the Netherlands got independent of Spanish sovereignty and became a Dutch Republic.The 17th century was full of possibilities and prosperity. In fact, that period is known as the 'Golden Age'. At that time the Netherlands was a powerful maritime country and Amsterdam was the financial hub of the continent. A lot of international trading was going on. Trading interests led the English and the Dutch into a conflict which cost ed many lives and money. Peace between the two countries was restored after Stadholder William II and his William III both married English princesses.Soon after the Dutch were over powered maritime wise as well as land wise by France and Great Britain. In 1795 the country was invaded by French revolutionists. In 1806 Louis Napoleon was ordered king by Napoleon of what now comes to be called the Kingdom of Holland. Amsterdam was proclaimed the capital city of Holland .After the French empire collapsed the Low countries regained their independence. In 1830 the South part of the Kingdom revolted to establish their independence and becoming what we now know as Belgium.

In the middle of the 19th century there was a radical change in the constitution. The change brought into force a government based on monarchy with a parliamentary system. During the first world war (1914-1918) the Netherlands remained neutral but in the second world war (1935-1945) it was invaded by Germany and occupied for five years. This terrible period meant death and destruction all over Europe. Soon after, the Netherlands, who by then was a major colonial force, lost their war against Indonesia which gained its independence in 1962. other colonies quickly got their independence too. Since the 1960's the Netherlands was ruled by coalition governments.