Ridder ( [ˈrɪdər] ; English : " Knight ") is a noble title in Belgium , Denmark and the Netherlands . Traditionally it denotes the second lowest rank within the nobility , standing below Baron , but above the untitled nobility ( Jonkheer ) in these countries. "Ridder" is a literal translation of Latin Eques and originally meant "horseman" or "rider". For its historical association with warfare and the landed gentry in the Middle Ages , it can be considered roughly equal to the titles of " Knight " or " Baronet ". In the Netherlands and Belgium no female equivalent exists. The collective term for its holders, in a certain area as an executive and legislative assembly, is named the Ridderschap (e.g. Ridderschap of Holland, Ridderschap of Friesland, etc.).
140-552: In modern times, the title of Ridder is often associated with certain orders of knighthood or decorations conferred by the reigning monarch or government to individuals for exceptional accomplishments in various fields such as arts, sciences, philanthropy, or public service. Before 1814, the history of nobility is separate for each of the eleven provinces that make up the Kingdom of the Netherlands . In each of these, there were in
280-701: A Minister Plenipotentiary based in the Netherlands, who had the right to participate in Dutch cabinet meetings that discussed affairs of the Kingdom as a whole when they pertained directly to Suriname or the Netherlands Antilles. Delegates of Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles could participate in sessions of the First and Second Chamber of the States General . An overseas member could be added to
420-614: A Prime Minister . The sovereign people of Aruba are represented by 21 parliamentarians in the Parliament of Aruba . The Governor of Aruba is Alfonso Boekhoudt , and the Prime Minister is Evelyn Wever-Croes . It has its own Central Bank and currency, the Aruban florin , linked to the U.S. dollar; the U.S. dollar is accepted almost everywhere on the island. Aruba has two official languages: its own national language Papiamento and
560-678: A unitary state . Its administration consists of the Monarch and the Council of Ministers, which is headed by a Prime Minister (currently Dick Schoof ). The people are represented by the States General of the Netherlands , which consists of a House of Representatives and a Senate . The Netherlands is divided into 12 provinces: Drenthe , Flevoland , Friesland , Gelderland , Groningen , Limburg , North Brabant , North Holland , Overijssel , South Holland , Utrecht and Zeeland . The provinces are divided into municipalities. The Netherlands has
700-620: A 'heavy union' led by the Dutch monarch , while Indonesia favored a loose organization opting individual sovereignty. The union was virtually collapsed by 1954 over the West New Guinea dispute , leaving the Dutch an opportunity to reorganize its colonial holdings. Initially, a federal constitution was considered too heavy as the economies of Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles were insignificant compared to that of
840-549: A better price, rather than trading with their fellow countrymen in New Netherland. Additionally, the islands were involved in illegal trade with the Spanish mainland and did not want to switch to legal trade with New Netherland. Stuyvesant needed slaves to strengthen New Amsterdam's defenses, but he mostly received old or sick slaves, called mancarrons , in response to his requests. The better slaves were sold elsewhere to
980-674: A choice that ultimately led to the downfall of the WIC in 1674. The WIC also gathered information on Spanish treasure fleets. In 1623, the first official fleet of the new WIC, a small squadron of only three ships commanded by Pieter Schouten, set sail for the Caribbean to engage in looting and plundering in the Lesser Antilles and the Yucátan peninsula. It was during this voyage that the Dutch first encountered Aruba . Around 1628 or 1629,
1120-600: A collection of constituent territories united under the monarch of the Netherlands , who functions as head of state . The realm is not a federation ; it is a unitary monarchy with its largest subdivision, the eponymous Netherlands , predominantly located in Northwestern Europe and with several smaller island territories located in the Caribbean . The four subdivisions of the Kingdom— Aruba , Curaçao ,
1260-526: A desire to review the relations between the Netherlands and its colonies after the end of the war. After liberation, the government would call a conference to agree on a settlement in which the overseas territories could participate in the administration of the Kingdom on the basis of equality. Initially, this speech had propaganda purposes; the Dutch government had the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia ) in mind, and hoped to appease public opinion in
1400-477: A dynamic chiefdom with regional trading networks. In 1882 French explorer Alphonse L. Pinart documented an account provided by an old Aruba Indian. According to the Indian's account, witnessed at the former Indian encampment at Saboneta ( Savaneta ), a native female was inhumed in one of the large conical ollas . Her body was doubled up inside the vase, with the head protruding through the orifice. Subsequently,
1540-409: A highly developed process of state formation. They had a chiefdom, which in human evolution is often a precursor to a kingdom, where central leaders— paramount chiefs —controlled multiple subordinate political-administrative units. The emphasis was more on the political and religious alliances between indigenous communities than on the military control or subjugate vast territories. At the head of
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#17327755283691680-903: A linguistic classification) is located in the central Amazon region. Between 1500 and 500 BC, the influence of the Arawaks had expanded to the Caribbean Basin and the Guianas . Between 850 and 1000 AD, Caquetío Indians migrated from western Venezuela, probably from the Paraguaná and Guajire peninsulas, to the Leeward Antilles . They belonged to the Arawak-Maipure language family. The name Caquetío refers to how this group referred to themselves during their first contact with Europeans. They had longer and narrower skulls than
1820-406: A mayor, aldermen, and a municipal council, for example) and are subject to the ordinary Dutch legislative process. Residents of these three islands are also able to vote in Dutch national and European elections. There are, however, some derogations for these islands. Social security , for example, is not on the same level as it is in the Netherlands proper. In November 2008 it was decided to introduce
1960-473: A part of the historic city centre of Willemstad was destroyed by fire. Order was restored by Dutch marines . In the same year, Suriname saw serious political instability with the Surinamese prime minister, Jopie Pengel , threatening to request military support to break a teachers' strike. In 1973, a new Dutch cabinet under Labour leader Joop den Uyl assumed power. In the government policy statement ,
2100-534: A plan to strengthen the connections between the islands and New Netherland . He believed that the two colonies could support each other: New Netherland would provide food in exchange for slaves from Curaçao, horses from Aruba, and salt from Bonaire. But Stuyvesant did not anticipate the rivalry between the two colonies, which prevented them from working together effectively. The Dutch in Curaçao preferred to sell their goods to other Caribbean islands where they could get
2240-468: A population in the Netherlands of 17,821,419 (as of January 2023 ), and of 29,418 (as of November 2023 ) in Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius. The Kingdom of the Netherlands originated in the aftermath of French Emperor Napoleon I 's defeat in 1815. In that year the Netherlands regained its independence from France under its First Empire , which had annexed its northern neighbour in 1810, as
2380-544: A relatively underdeveloped and economically disadvantaged region during this period. The first oil refinery, Lago Oil and Transport Company , in San Nicolas was built in 1924 and a subsidiary of Standard Oil . The refinery on Aruba grew to become one of the largest in the world. In 1927, the Arend Petroleum Company was established to the west of Oranjestad. The refineries processed crude oil from
2520-458: A series of steps as the Crown granted increasing autonomy. In August 1985, Aruba drafted a constitution that was unanimously approved. On 1 January 1986, after the 1985 general election was held for its first parliament, Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles, officially becoming a country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with full independence planned for 1996. Croes was seriously injured in
2660-417: A smaller urn was placed upside down on the head, and the entire burial was covered with earth. The Caquetío people were buried in clusters, both within and potentially outside village boundaries. At times, there was a secondary burial, possibly reserved for exceptional individuals. In the primary burial, the deceased were buried in a large pot, covered with a smaller pot placed on top. In a secondary burial,
2800-556: A tool that is older than other archaic age sites on the island. The finishing techniques and shape of this tool resembles one found at Arikok, suggesting a date before approximately 2000 BC. The presence of these tools on the island may be from occasional visits from the mainland. In total, 33 archaic age sites have been identified on Aruba. During this period, the Leeward Islands maintained connections and engaged in trade with mainland South America, particularly with partners in
2940-565: A traffic accident in 1985, slipping into a coma. He died in 1986, never seeing the enacting of status aparte for Aruba for which he had worked over many years. After his death, Croes was proclaimed Libertador di Aruba . Croes' successor, Henny Eman of the Aruban People's Party became the first Prime Minister of Aruba . Meanwhile, in 1985, Aruba's oil refinery closed. It had provided Aruba with 30 percent of its real income and 50 percent of government revenue. The significant blow to
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#17327755283693080-527: A vital role in the butter and cheese industry, as well as in preserving food during long voyages. The curing or pickling process for herring was well established during the Middle Ages. After catching the herring, the packers would remove the internal organs, mix them with salt to create a brine, and pack them in barrels along with additional salt. While Zeeland was not heavily involved in fishing, they were renowned for their salt whitening process, which
3220-417: Is difficult to group the constitutional arrangements of the Kingdom in one of the traditional models of state organisation, and consider the Kingdom to be a sui generis arrangement. Instead, the Kingdom is said to have characteristics of a federal state , a confederation , a federacy , and a devolved unitary state . The Kingdom's federal characteristics include the delineation of Kingdom affairs in
3360-580: Is known that Christopher Columbus was not searching for a new continent but for the shortest route to India. India had been the spearhead of European trade expansion and the foreign policy of the Spanish Crown since the travels of Marco Polo a century earlier. India, China, and Japan formed the focal point of medieval ideas about boundless riches, cities with houses covered in gold, and islands with inexhaustible amounts of spices, pearls, and silk . The suspicion arose that India could be reached via
3500-404: Is placed and written in lower case between the first name(s) and the family name. The wife of a ridder is referred to or addressed as De hoogwelgeboren vrouwe (The high well-born Lady), Mevrouw [Forename] [Surname husband]-[Maiden name] . As explained above no female Ridders exist. Children of hereditary Ridders who do not have a noble title are styled with the honorific Jonkheer or Jonkvrouw of
3640-516: Is proposed, the proposal shall not be submitted to or considered by a representative assembly until the Governments in the other countries have had the opportunity to express their views on the matter. In case of a conflict between a constituent country and the Kingdom, Article 12 of the Charter prescribes an administrative reconciliation procedure. This was often deemed a democratic deficit of
3780-515: Is the head of state of the Kingdom. The Monarch is represented in Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten by a governor. The Netherlands Armed Forces ( Dutch : Nederlandse krijgsmacht ) are the shared military services of all countries in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and fall under the Ministry of Defense . The legislature of the Kingdom consists of the States General of the Netherlands and
3920-468: The Tierra Firme to secure the Spanish presence. It is believed that de Ojeda and Amerigo Vespucci visited Bonaire and Curaçao, but neither Vespucci nor de Ojeda are thought to have set foot on Aruban soil. He was explicitly forbidden to enslave natives. However, de Ojeda lacked administrative skills and intentions, and he became a controversial figure. De Ojeda established a base named Santa Cruz at
4060-513: The Affairs of the Kingdom : One additional Kingdom affair is specified in article 43(2): Paragraph 2 of Article 3 specifies that "other matters may be declared to be Kingdom affairs in consultation". These Kingdom affairs are only taken care of by the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom of the Netherlands , if the affair affects Aruba , Curaçao or St. Maarten . Article 14, paragraph 3, of
4200-576: The Americas the myths of the Golden Age , Atlantis , and the earthly paradise moved from Asia to the New World. He died on May 20, 1506, believing that he had found new islands of the coast of or possibly a peninsula of India—pre-islands: Ant-ilha. These Ant-ilhas were inhabited by peoples whom he called "Indians". In 1500, Juan de la Cosa drew the first map of the New World, which depicted
4340-453: The Council of State when appropriate. According to the Charter, Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles could each alter its "Basic Law" ( Staatsregeling ). The right of the two autonomous countries to leave the Kingdom, unilaterally, was not recognised; yet it also stipulated that the Charter could be dissolved by mutual consultation. Before the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands
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4480-517: The Country of Aruba ( Dutch : Land Aruba ; Papiamento : Pais Aruba ), is a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands , in the southern Caribbean Sea 29 kilometres (18 mi) north of the Venezuelan peninsula of Paraguaná and 80 kilometres (50 mi) northwest of Curaçao . In 1986, it became a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and acquired
4620-526: The Early Middle Ages a number of feudal lords, who often were just as powerful, and sometimes more so than the rulers themselves. In old times, no other title existed but that of knight. In the middle of the fourteenth century, quarrels between the feudal lords reduced many families and castles to ruins, which contributed to the Dukes of Burgundy 's acquisition by conquest or inheritance of many of
4760-642: The Guyanas , Indians taken as prisoners in conflicts were traded, even following peace treaties. Though Indians on Aruba were not officially classified as slaves during the West India Company's rule, oral tradition in Aruba mentioned Amerindian slaves in the early 20th century. Father Paul Brenneker [ nl ] noted their presence in Curaçao as pseudo-slaves. In 1827, Commander Simon Plats found 51 Amerindians treated as pseudo-slaves by Aruban families. Some were brought by shipowners involved in
4900-419: The Kingdom of the Netherlands , prompted by the efforts of Henny Eman , a noted Aruban politician. By 1954, the Charter of the Kingdom of the Netherlands was established, providing a framework for relations between Aruba and the rest of the kingdom. That created the Netherlands Antilles , which united all of the Dutch colonies in the Caribbean into one administrative structure. Many Arubans were unhappy with
5040-553: The Netherlands , and Sint Maarten —are constituent countries ( landen in Dutch ; singular: land ) and participate on a basis of equality as partners in the Kingdom. In practice, however, most of the Kingdom's affairs are administered by the Netherlands—which comprises roughly 98% of the Kingdom's land area and population—on behalf of the entire Kingdom. Consequently, Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten are dependent on
5180-1022: The Sovereign Principality of the United Netherlands . The great powers of Europe, united against Napoleonic France, had decided in the secret treaty of the London Protocol to establish a single state in the territories that were previously the Dutch Republic / Batavian Republic / Kingdom of Holland , the Austrian Netherlands and the Prince-Bishopric of Liège , awarding rule over this to William, Prince of Orange and Nassau , although these southern territories remained under Prussian (German) rule until Napoleon's return from his first exile on Elba ("Hundred Days"). In March 1815, amidst
5320-484: The heraldic coronet is surrounded with a pearl collar. Kingdom of the Netherlands The Kingdom of the Netherlands ( Dutch : Koninkrijk der Nederlanden , pronounced [ˈkoːnɪŋkrɛiɡ dɛr ˈneːdərlɑndə(n)] ; , West Frisian : Keninkryk fan Nederlân , Papiamento : Reino Hulandes ), commonly known simply as the Netherlands , is a sovereign state consisting of
5460-418: The "islands of Curaçao". By 1816, Aruba possessed seven salt pans, all of which yielded salt of subpar quality. The salt production was just sufficient to meet the local demand. Aruban laborers, often assisted by donkeys, were tasked with gathering the salt, which was subsequently distributed among the island's inhabitants. Around 1924, salt extraction at Rancho had limited benefits, primarily being used in
5600-424: The "useless islands", mirroring the hardships of these faced by subsequent African slaves, marked by a denial of freedom and forced labor. After 1775 the names of African slaves began appearing in records, with examples such as "Cecilia" and "Apolinar" tied to families like Silvester and Alvarez from Alto Vista near the coast. The Dutch colonizer recognized red slavery, particularly of Indians captured in wars. In
5740-598: The Caquetío chiefdom was a spiritual leader called diao who had both secular and religious authority in modern terms. He was endowed with powers that could influence nature: a shaman. The diao position was hereditary. By being allowed to marry multiple wives, the diao was able to establish and maintain political alliances with other groups, tribes, or villages. The chiefdom was centralized in its design, but not based on authoritarian or violence-based subjugation. The Spanish conquistadors interrupted this process of expansion at
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5880-580: The Caribbean islands. On the continent, the great empires declined, but indigenous societies continued to exist and were exposed to a long process of miscegenation . In the Falcón-Zulia province, among other places, Caquetío societies survived on Tierra Firme, although their cultures and social structures were largely destroyed by the Spaniards. On the (former) Caquetío coastal islands of Aruba, Curaçao, and Trinidad , indigenous people lived well into
6020-543: The Caribbean region turned out to be a failure for the Spaniards. The exploitation of the West Indian islands proved unprofitable, and gold mining on Hispaniola and Puerto Rico declined. Spanish settlers moved elsewhere, and In 1569, the Spanish Crown banned settlement on the Caribbean islands by royal decree. This measure that did not apply to the leased islands of Curaçao, Aruba, and Bonaire. The colonization of
6160-455: The Caribbean, known as Spain's mare clausum , because of their need for salt, in open defiance of Phillip II . Since the mid-15th century, the prosperous Dutch herring industry had been steadily expanding. The towns of Hoorn , Enkhuizen , and Medemblik were particularly active in the salt trade, thanks to their thriving fishing industries. Herring was a crucial commodity for Dutch commerce, requiring salt for preservation. Salt also played
6300-546: The Charter, foresees the handling of Kingdom affairs in all other cases by the Netherlands. On the basis of Article 38, the countries of the Kingdom can decide to adopt a Kingdom Act outside of the scope of the aforementioned Kingdom affairs. Such acts are referred to as Consensus Kingdom Acts, as they require the consent of the parliaments of Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten. The Kingdom negotiates and concludes international treaties and agreements. Those that do not affect Aruba, Curaçao, or Sint Maarten directly are dealt with by
6440-638: The Charter, the enumeration of the constituting parts of the Kingdom in the Charter, the fact that the Charter subordinates the law of the constituting countries to the law of the Kingdom, the establishment of Kingdom institutions in the Charter, and the fact that the Kingdom has its own legislative instruments: the Kingdom act and the Order-in-Council for the Kingdom. Aruba Aruba ( / ə ˈ r uː b ə / ə- ROO -bə , Dutch: [aːˈrubaː] or [aːˈrybaː] , Papiamento: [aˈruba] ), officially
6580-460: The Council of State. Aruba is currently exercising this right. This has not always been the case; the Netherlands Antilles had no member until 1987 and Aruba had none until 2000. Sint Maarten's first member of the Council of State will be former Lieutenant Governor Dennis Richardson. The Hoge Raad der Nederlanden is the supreme court of the Kingdom by virtue of the Cassation regulation for
6720-414: The Dutch started obtaining salt regularly on Tortuga . Governor Francisco Núñez Melián of Venezuela destroyed the saltpans and took some Dutch prisoners, forced them to cut Brazilwood in Curaçao. One of these Dutchmen, Jan Janszoon Otzen, carefully assessed the island's excellent harbor and profitable saltpans, which he later communicated to the WIC. Recognizing their struggle for salt, the Dutch realized
6860-484: The Dutch, later became wild on the island. Aruba essentially became a Spanish ranch, with cattle roaming freely in search of food. Despite more trees in the past, the overall vegetation was similar to today. The horses introduced were lighter than Dutch ones, and their hooves became so hard from roaming freely that they did not need horseshoes. To avoid stallions injuring each other during mating battles, horseshoes were impractical. After three weeks of service, particularly in
7000-541: The German Confederation for that loss, the remainder of the Dutch province of Limburg received the same status that Luxembourg had enjoyed before, as a Dutch province that at the same time formed a Duchy of the German Confederation. That status was reversed when the German Confederation ceased to exist in 1867, when Limburg became an ordinary Dutch province. The Netherlands abolished slavery in its colonies in 1863. The Kingdom's 1954 administrative reform
7140-609: The Government. Articles 14, 16 and 17 of the Charter give some participation to the parliaments of the Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. Article 13 of the Charter specifies that there is a Council of State of the Kingdom. It is (as all institutions of the Kingdom) regulated in the Constitution, but the Charter implies that at the request of Aruba, Curaçao, or Sint Maarten, a member from each of these islands can be included in
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#17327755283697280-476: The Kingdom do not affect Aruba, Curaçao, or Sint Maarten, they are dealt with according to the provisions laid down in the Constitution. In these cases the Netherlands, the jurisdiction ruled directly by the Constitution for the Kingdom of the Netherlands , acts alone, according to its constitution and in its capacity as the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The other three countries cannot do the same for affairs of
7420-412: The Kingdom of the Netherlands does not provide for that. Two legal instruments are available at the Kingdom level: the Kingdom act ( Dutch : Rijkswet ) and the Order-in-Council for the Kingdom ( Dutch : Algemene maatregel van Rijksbestuur ). An example of a Kingdom act is the "Kingdom Act regarding Dutch citizenship" ( Dutch : Rijkswet op het Nederlanderschap ). The Monarch of the Netherlands
7560-461: The Kingdom of the Netherlands' Dutch language. Curaçao , with its own constitution, is also a representative parliamentary democracy organised as a centralised unitary state . Its administration consists of the Governor , who represents the Monarch, and the (Curaçao) Council of Ministers, headed by a Prime Minister . The sovereign people of Curaçao are represented by 21 members of parliament and
7700-538: The Kingdom of the Netherlands, alongside the Netherlands , Curaçao, and Sint Maarten , Aruba shares Dutch nationality with its citizens. Aruba lacks administrative subdivisions but is divided into eight regions for census purposes with Oranjestad as its capital. The name Aruba most likely came from the Caquetío Oruba which means "well situated island", seeing as it was the Caquetío who were present on
7840-409: The Kingdom that only pertain to them and not to the Netherlands proper. In these cases, the provisions of the Charter prevail. Changes in the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands can only be made when all constituent countries agree. The Monarch and the ministers he appoints form the Government of the Kingdom. According to Article 7 of the Charter, the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom of
7980-401: The Kingdom, leading to the adoption of an amendment to the Charter, which entered into force on 23 November 2010. The new Article 12a specifies that in addition to the administrative reconciliation procedure, "by Kingdom Act measures shall be made allowing for the arbitration of certain conflicts, as specified by Kingdom Act, between the Kingdom and the countries." The imperative formulation was
8120-480: The Kingdom. The Kingdom of the Netherlands consists of four constituent countries : the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. There is a difference between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Netherlands: the Kingdom of the Netherlands is the comprehensive sovereign state, while the Netherlands is one of its four constituent countries. Three Caribbean islands (Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten) are
8260-550: The Netherlands ( Dutch : Staten-Generaal der Nederlanden ), the Ministers Plenipotentiary may communicate their wish that the treaty or agreement concerned shall be subject to the express approval of the States General. Article 25 gives Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten the opportunity to opt out from an international treaty or agreement. The treaty or agreement concerned then has to specify that
8400-410: The Netherlands consists of the Council of Ministers of the Netherlands complemented by one Minister Plenipotentiary of Aruba , one Minister Plenipotentiary of Curaçao , and one Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten . The Dutch Prime Minister chairs the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom. In December 2007, a Deputy Council for Kingdom Relations was established. This deputy council prepares
8540-425: The Netherlands that also constitutes and regulates the institutions of the Kingdom as a whole as mentioned in the Charter. The Constitution is also subordinate to the Charter. The provisions in the Charter for some of these institutions are additional and are applicable only for those affairs of the Kingdom, as described in the Charter, when they affect Aruba, Curaçao, or Sint Maarten directly. In cases where affairs of
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#17327755283698680-486: The Netherlands Antilles and Aruba. The basis for this regulation is article 23 of the Charter. The second paragraph of that article specifies that if an overseas country of the Kingdom so requests, the Kingdom Act should provide for an additional court member from that country. To date, neither Aruba, Curaçao, nor Sint Maarten has used this right. According to Article 39 of the Charter, " civil and commercial law ,
8820-430: The Netherlands Antilles was divided into six. Three are constituent countries: Aruba (since 1986), Curaçao and Sint Maarten (since 2010); three are special municipalities of the Netherlands proper: Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. Netherlands New Guinea was a dependent territory of the Kingdom until 1962, followed by seven-month transitional period when it was annexed by Indonesia . It was not an autonomous country, and
8960-414: The Netherlands Antilles, becoming a constituent country of the Kingdom in its own right. In October 2010, the Netherlands Antilles was dissolved and Curaçao and Sint Maarten became the newest constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Kingdom celebrated its bicentennial in a series of festive occasions spanning from 2013 to 2015, the last being the year of the actual 200th anniversary of
9100-455: The Netherlands for matters like foreign policy and defence , but are autonomous to a certain degree, with their own parliaments . The vast majority of land area of the constituent country of the Netherlands is in Europe, while its three special municipalities ( Bonaire , Saba , and Sint Eustatius ) are located in the Caribbean, as are the other three constituent countries. The Kingdom has
9240-400: The Netherlands. By the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands , as enacted in 1954, a composite state was created (also known as the "Tripartite Kingdom of the Netherlands"), consisting of the Netherlands (mainland), Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles. Under the provisions of the Charter, both former colonies were granted internal autonomy. Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles each got
9380-590: The New World as slave laborers. The Caquetío population of the Leeward Antilles was incorporated into the Spanish colonial empire c. 1500 . On June 8 and 10, 1501, Alonso De Ojeda acquired the exclusive right to exploit the current Venezuelan coastal area, known as Coquivacoa , and the islands of the coast Curaçao, Aruba, and Bonaire, and probably also the Mongues and Aves Islands. De Ojeda had to form an administration as far west as possible on
9520-719: The President of the Parliament of Curaçao is Charetti America-Francisca . The Governor of Curaçao is Lucille George-Wout , and the Prime Minister is Gilmar Pisas . It has the Netherlands Antillean guilder as its currency. Sint Maarten is a centralised unitary state , with similar administrative characteristics to Aruba. It has the Antillean Guilder as its currency. Unlike the other Dutch Caribbean countries and special municipalities, Sint Maarten covers only part of an island. It consists of roughly
9660-548: The Spaniards had fortified the saltpans, forcing them to give up their stake in Araya salt. After hostilities resumed, the Dutch established the West India Company (WIC) with the main objective of engaging in strategic military actions and privateering organization against Spain. This was the raison d'être or reason for the existence of the WIC. Their secondary objective was focused on commerce and colonization,
9800-493: The Spaniards, and marked the end of the first attempt to control the region. Between 1513 and 1515, the Leeward Antilles, including Curaçao, Aruba, and Bonaire, were depopulated. Captain Diego Salazar led this effort, which affected an estimated 2,000 indigenous inhabitants from these islands, and likely more from Tierra Firme. Most of the Caquetío were taken to Hispaniola as forced laborers. Many of them likely died on
9940-439: The U.S. dollar in the three islands. The date of introduction was 1 January 2011. The Netherlands carries the risk of exchange rate fluctuations regarding cash flows between the state and the islands. Aruba , with its own constitution, is a representative parliamentary democracy organised as a unitary state. Its administration consists of the Governor , who represents the Monarch, and the (Aruban) Council of Ministers, headed by
10080-655: The United States, which had become skeptical towards colonialism . With Indonesia 's independence, a temporary confederal constitution was established through the Linggadjati Agreement in 1946, which mandated the creation of a Netherlands-Indonesia Union . However, this arrangement was considered burdensome, as the two nations differed in their interpretations and expectations of the Linggadjati Agreement. The Netherlands advocated for
10220-702: The West Indies. Seeking alternative sources, they turned their attention to Punta de Araya in Tierra Firme by the 17th century. The salt reserves in Punta de Araya were abundant and of high quality, surpassing that of the Iberian peninsula. Rather than being a rock salt deposit, it was a gem salt derived from the clay of the surrounding hills. However, following the Truce of twelve years , the Dutch discovered that
10360-522: The archaic population, and their height was up to 1.60 metres (5.2 ft). The newcomers brought pottery and agriculture to the islands and are therefore classified as part of the neo-Indian period. The area over which the legendary cacique Manaure exercised his authority was the coastal region of the current state Falcón-Zulia at Venezuela, including the Paraguaná Peninsula, as well as Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire . The Caquetío people had
10500-539: The archeological record around 950 AD, shortly after the arrival of the neo-Indian — Caquetío . It is clear that the Caquetíos had a superior culture in socio-economic and technological terms. It is possible that the Caquetío lived alongside the archaic Indians for a time and that they were ultimately displaced or assimilated. The Caquetío belonged to the Arawak people. The origin of Arawak civilization (a name based on
10640-567: The arrangement, however, as the policy was perceived as being dominated by Curaçao. In 1972, at a conference in Suriname , Aruban politician Betico Croes proposed the creation of a Dutch Commonwealth of four states: Aruba, the Netherlands, Suriname, and the Netherlands Antilles , each to have its own nationality. Backed by his newly created party, the Movimiento Electoral di Pueblo , Croes sought greater autonomy for Aruba, with
10780-570: The assumption that the similar beliefs about life after death existed in both societies. Nicolaas Pyclas was regarded as the last known indigenous Aruban. Pyclas spoke and understood the extinct language of the original inhabitants of Aruba, adhering to their way of life and customs. He resided in a hut in Savaneta. His diet included sea snails, such as cocolishi ( Cerun uva ) and carco ( Aliger gigas ), as well as wild herbs. Pyclas rejected any involvement in religious practices. Around 1840, he
10920-539: The basis of the future group of encomenderos. The encomienda system granted Spanish colonizers right by the Spanish Crown to extract tribute and labor from indigenous peoples. For example, indigenous communities had to give up a portion of the yields from their agricultural or farm land, known as conucos in Taino , as a form of taxation and to provide for the food supply of the colonists. The defeated were often kidnapped and forced to participate in expeditions elsewhere in
11060-596: The body was initially buried without a pot, and after a few months or years, the bones were exhumed and reburied in smaller pots for a second time. Some pots contained grave offerings such as axes, shells, and pottery. The secondary burial method was practiced until recently in South America. The striking similarity between the Neo-Indian burial practices in Aruba and the post-Columbian variant in Guajira justifies
11200-632: The cabinet declared a wish to determine a date for the independence of Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles with the governments of those nations. The Antillean government was non-committal; the same held for the Surinamese Sedney cabinet (1969–1973). Suriname's 1973 elections brought the National Party Combination ( Nationale Partij Kombinatie ) to power, with Henck Arron as prime minister. The new government declared that Suriname would be independent before 1976. This
11340-434: The colonial period. The indigenous history of the Guajira peninsula extends to the present day. The Wayú are increasingly being recognized on the Leeward Antilles as possible contemporary ancestors or lost relatives from prehistoric times. The conquistadors brought European cattle to Aruba. Over time, they also introduced goats, sheep, dogs, donkeys, cows, pigs, and possibly even cats. It is believed that rabbits, brought by
11480-442: The country's ties with the Kingdom. Article 27 specifies the involvement of Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten in the preparations for a treaty or agreement that affects them and Article 28 specifies that Aruba, Curaçao, or Sint Maarten may, if they so desire, accede to membership of international organisations. Among other affiliations, the kingdom is also a founding member of NATO , OECD and WTO . Most scholars agree that it
11620-463: The dry season, the horses were released to recover. Occasionally, a small group of Spaniards would disembark on the island, but typically Aruba was left to fend for itself. According to Dutch geographer Joannes De Laet , by 1630 there were few Indians and some Spaniards on Aruba. Al is de Sallem schoon, De Haering spant de Kroon. The salmon may be beautiful, the herring surpasses all. The Dutch were compelled to venture into forbidden waters of
11760-467: The economy led to a push for a dramatic increase in tourism, and that sector has expanded to become the island's largest industry. At a convention in The Hague in 1990, at the request of Prime Minister Nelson Oduber , the governments of Aruba, the Netherlands, and the Netherlands Antilles postponed indefinitely Aruba's transition to full independence. The article scheduling Aruba's complete independence
11900-399: The enforcement of English Navigation Acts left a lasting impact on regional trade. Nevertheless, the Caribbean islands eventually regained stability and prosperity, experiencing fewer changes in colonial holdings for centuries to come. In the 16th century, Spaniards engaged in coercive labor practices, deporting Arawak Indians to Hispaniola in 1515. Colonists exerted control over Indians on
12040-574: The euro as its currency, except in the special municipalities of the Caribbean Netherlands (BES islands), where the Netherlands Antillean guilder was replaced by the U.S. dollar in 2011. The special municipalities of Bonaire , Sint Eustatius , and Saba , together referred to as Caribbean Netherlands or BES islands , are islands in the Caribbean that are part of the Netherlands proper but not part of any Dutch province. They resemble ordinary Dutch municipalities in most ways (with
12180-557: The formal name the Country of Aruba. Aruba has an area of 179 km (69.1 sq mi). Aruba measures 32 kilometres (20 mi) in length from its northwestern to its southeastern end and is 10 kilometres (6 mi) across at its widest point. Alongside Bonaire and Curaçao, Aruba forms a group referred to as the ABC islands . The Dutch Caribbean encompasses the ABC islands along with
12320-539: The hierarchy of the chiefdom. Aruba had (not simultaneously) five villages: three larger ones Ceri Noca ( Santa Cruz ), Tanki Flip ( Noord ), and Savaneta , and two smaller ones near Tanki Leendert and Parkietenbos , which have not yet been systematically studied. The location of Aruban villages varied. They were situated in places where beneficial agriculture land was available and where the most favorable hydrological conditions prevailed, such as where several rooi ( gullies ) came together and where relatively much water
12460-411: The highest bidder. However, the people in New Netherland were not motivated by unselfish reasons or a strong sense of patriotism. They continued to trade with their French, English, and Swedish neighbors across the border. Only in extreme situations did their shared heritage become more important than making money. For example, when the islands faced famine due to a series of dry seasons, Stuyvesant came to
12600-608: The individuals buried there was not from Aruba and had a different diet compared to the other four individuals of Aruban origin. This finding suggests that early human migration and cultural exchange were already part of the cultural pattern of these archaic Indians at an early stage. The burial site in Malmok dates to between 450 and 1000 AD. The Arubans of that time had a short and stocky physique, with adult men averaging 1.57 metres (5.2 ft) in height and women averaging 1.49 metres (4.9 ft). The burial customs offer insight into
12740-462: The insular Caribbean. The archaic lifestyle revolved around a food economy based on fishing, hunting, and gathering , with a strong emphasis on marine resources. Ceramics were absent, as was horticulture and agriculture. Weapons and tools were predominantly crafted from stone. Sharp-edged ax blades, chisels, and knives were commonly used, with the knives distinguishable by their elongated shape and flat blades. One notable site, Sero Muskita, yielded
12880-489: The island was Oibubia which means "Guided island". The Taino name for the island was Arubeira . The Kalinago also had two names for the island Ora Oubao which means "Shell island" and Oirubae which means "Companion of Curaçao". A common misconception is that the name "Aruba" came from Oro hubo, (Spanish for "There was gold once"). However, the Spanish declared these islands islas inútiles , meaning "useless islands", due to their apparent lack of mineral wealth. It
13020-429: The island when Alonso de Ojeda arrived in the 16th century. Between 1529 and the 1648 Treaty of Westphalia , the name "Isla de Oruba" was used for the island by the Spanish. The island was ceded to the Dutch , and gradually its name was changed to Aruba. There were many different names for Aruba used by other Amerindian groups, all of which could have contributed to the present-day name Aruba. Another Caquetío name for
13160-400: The large Caribbean islands, such as Cuba , was encouraged while the small islands were abandoned. Most of the islands remained largely uncontrolled and undefended, making them a potential opportunity for northwestern European countries that wanted to break Spain's monopoly on colonizing the New World. England, France, the Netherlands, and Denmark explored the possibilities of piracy and trade on
13300-409: The law of civil procedure, criminal law , the law of criminal procedure, copyright , industrial property , the office of notary , and provisions concerning weights and measures shall be regulated as far as possible in a similar manner in the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten". The Article further stipulates that when a drastic amendment of the existing legislation in regard to these matters
13440-529: The local population to Christianity, the coastal region of the mainland was leased to the banking firm of the Welsers in 1528. This led to the violent conquest of the Caquetío kingdom. Before 1634, Curaçao, along with its neighboring islands Bonaire and Aruba, were considered part of the province of Venezuela. They had been separated from Venezuela only during the period of the Welser grant. The appropriation of
13580-543: The long-term goal of independence, adopting the trappings of an independent state in 1976 with the creation of a flag and national anthem. In March 1977, a referendum was held with the support of the United Nations. 82% of the participants voted for complete independence from the Netherlands. Tensions mounted as Croes stepped up the pressure on the Dutch government by organising a general strike in 1977 . Croes later met with Dutch Prime Minister Joop den Uyl , with
13720-404: The male line, is entitled to the title) and "met het recht op eerstgeboorte" (with the right of the first-born – i.e. descent by Salic law , i.e. the eldest male descendant of the title's first bearer may take the title, but not the others). Normally one refers to or addresses a Ridder as De hoogwelgeboren heer (The high well-born Lord), [Forename] ridder [Surname] . Notice that the title
13860-411: The meetings of the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom. The establishment of such a Council has long been advocated by the Council of State of the Kingdom. The Government and the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom, along with the monarchy itself, are subject to Article 5 of the Charter that refers their regulation mainly to the Constitution for the Kingdom of the Netherlands as far as the Charter for
14000-444: The native peoples into European society, such as the initiation of Indian slavery by Columbus in 1492. Europeans had an advantage because they had superior weapons, such as firearms, steel swords, armor, ships, horses, and targeted military strategies. While expedition leaders mostly came from the higher echelons of late medieval society, their foot soldiers were usually from the lower middle class of southern Europe. These soldiers formed
14140-515: The natives living there about the Catholic faith and instill in them good habits . In exchange for the papal approval of the treaty, Spain promised to vigorously carry out missionary work in the discovered territories. This gave Spain the right to evangelize the Americas and appoint and dismiss priests, blurring the separation between church and state in the region. In other words, the Spanish Crown
14280-480: The need to establish a base in these waters to secure Curaçao. WIC agent Johannes van Walbeeck was appointed as the expedition's commander and future Governor of Curaçao, Bonaire, and Aruba. Curaçao was captured and acquired by the WIC in June 1634, primarily by their desire to obtain salt. In Van Walbeeck's report of 1634, Aruba is mentioned only in relation to Curaçao, where he refers to Bonaire and Aruba collectively as
14420-618: The northwest. In 1493, the year in which the West Indian islands became known in Europe, the division between the secular (civil) and religious authorities in the New World had to be arranged. The newly appointed Spanish Pope Alexander VI issued the Inter Caetera bull, granting the Spanish Crown sovereignty over the newly discovered territories and the responsibility of the holy task: to send good, God-fearing men, who are earned and capable, to those islands and continents to teach
14560-500: The number increased to 497 slaves, with 269 being indigenous people and 228 of African descent. Approximately, half of Aruba's slaves were of indigenous origin, and the other half were of African descent. Although Dutch law generally prohibited the enslavement of indigenous people, the actual practice varied. The British Empire took control of the island during the Napoleonic Wars holding it from 1806 to 1816, after which it
14700-516: The other three substantial islands, the SSS islands . In contrast to much of the Caribbean, which experiences humid tropical climates, Aruba has a dry climate with an arid xeric landscape. The relatively warm and sunny weather persists throughout the year. With a population of 108,166, Aruba is home to about one-third of the population of the Dutch Caribbean. As one of the four countries in
14840-588: The present-day Falcón - Zulia state in Venezuela and possibly the La Guajira Peninsula (Venezuela/ Colombia ). The specific language group to which they belonged remains uncertain. This theory is supported by the discovery of 60 to 70 Amerindian cemetery burial grounds in Malmok and Canashito . Burial sites at Canashito are dated between 100 BC to 100 AD. isotopic research revealed that one of
14980-536: The preservation of fish during shipping. Paardenbaai (Horses' Bay) contained salt pans up until 1949 when it was dredged and disappeared beneath the sand. Between the Peace of Westphalia in 1648 and the Peace of Nijmegen in 1678, there were 30 years of crisis in the Dutch Antilles and the entire Caribbean region. By 1648, Curaçao had lost its importance as a military outpost. Governor Peter Stuyvesant had
15120-592: The provinces forming the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In 1581, Philip II of Spain , heir of the Dukes of Burgundy was abjured by representatives of the Seven Provinces, which left a great part of the executive and legislative power to the Ridderschap of each province, which consisted of the representatives of those families of the old feudal nobility. In 1798, the revolution did away with their power, and it
15260-414: The provisions of the Constitution (in fact by the Netherlands alone). Article 24 of the Charter specifies that when an international treaty or agreement affects Aruba, Curaçao, or Sint Maarten, the treaty or agreement concerned shall be submitted to their representative assemblies. The article further specifies that when such a treaty or agreement is submitted for the tacit approval of the States General of
15400-724: The relatively short route to the west , across the ocean of Atlantis . During his third voyage to the New World , Columbus was searching for the southern route to India and explored the Paria Peninsula (eastern Venezuela) and the Orinoco region, where he discovered the fresh river water of the Orinoco Delta . The suspicion arose that he had not found islands off the coast of India but a much more extensive land mass; an extension of Asia. Columbus did not realize that this
15540-481: The rescue by sending a ship with food just in time. The troubled relationship between the Curaçao islands and New Netherland came to a sudden end in 1664. At that time, even though a war between England and the United Provinces had not been officially declared, an English fleet led by Richard Nicolls demanded that New Amsterdam surrender. While the Dutch briefly regained control of the colony in 1673, it
15680-465: The result of an amendment in the Chamber of Representatives by special delegates Evelyna Wever-Croes and J.E. Thijsen of Aruba; the original formulation was "by Kingdom Act measures can be made". The new Article 38a allows for measures to be made for arbitration between countries as well. In contrast with Article 12a, this article is not imperatively formulated. Article 3 of the Charter specifies
15820-539: The same time, a member state of the German Confederation . In 1830, the southerners, calling themselves Belgians, seceded from the Kingdom , a step that was recognised by the Netherlands only in 1839 in the Treaty of London . At that point, Luxembourg became a fully independent country in a personal union with the Netherlands. Luxembourg also lost more than half of its territory to Belgium. To compensate
15960-864: The slave trade. Plats had masters sign a declaration recognizing the freedom of the Amerindians, ensuring proper upbringing, education, and accommodation. Contrary to common belief, Aruba had a history of slavery, challenging the notion that conditions were considerably better than in other Caribbean regions. Records are limited, with mentions primarily concerning Curaçao in 1750 and 1795. Aruba's circumstances surrounding slavery were comparatively less severe, leading to misconceptions that indigenous people were not enslaved. However, by 1862, 15 percent of Aruba's population were slaves, with 27 percent in Bonaire. A Population Report from 1820 indicates 331 slaves in Aruba—157 indigenous people and 174 of African descent. In 1840,
16100-425: The social dynamics of the archaic island inhabitants. Based on the burial patterns, it was deduced that they traveled in clans of 15 to 30 people. These groups were led by an adult man who was buried at the center of the cluster. His elevated status was emphasized by the presence of several stones marking his grave. The rest of the family group was buried around him. The archaic population disappeared from Aruba from
16240-479: The southern half of the divided island of Saint Martin . The northern half of the island is the French Collectivity of Saint Martin . Aruba , Curaçao , and Sint Maarten regulate the governance of their respective countries, but are subordinate to the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands . The Netherlands is ruled by the provisions and institutions of the Constitution for the Kingdom of
16380-421: The three remaining constituent countries. Three other Caribbean islands (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba) are special municipalities within the country of the Netherlands. Until its dissolution in 2010, the islands had formed the Netherlands Antilles , with the exception of Aruba, which left the grouping in 1986. Comparison table The Netherlands is a representative parliamentary democracy organised as
16520-501: The time of the European contact (AD 1499–1535). The Caquetío territory consisted of several small political units that were under the authority of lower "second-tier chiefs" who were subordinate to the highest authority. How the central authority was exercised over the units is not clear. However, there are reports from the contact period that suggest the diao did not exert his power over the lower units in arbitrary manner. Likely there
16660-482: The tip of Guajira , from whence he conducted trade and, probably even more importantly, carried out his raids, including slave hunts. During his third voyage to the New World in 1502, de Ojeda visited Curaçao, but his attempt to exploit the region failed. Instead, Bartolomé de Las Casas documented de Ojeda's raids, slave hunts, and atrocities in the rural areas of present-day Cartagena in his book, Historia General de las Indias . These raids were disastrous, even for
16800-401: The treaty or agreement does not apply to Aruba, Curaçao, or Sint Maarten. Article 26 specifies that when Aruba, Curaçao, or Sint Maarten communicate their wish for the conclusion of an international economic or financial agreement that applies solely to the country concerned, the Government of the Kingdom shall assist in the conclusion of such an agreement, unless this would be inconsistent with
16940-661: The turmoil of the Hundred Days , the Sovereign Prince William of Orange and Nassau adopted the style of " king of the Netherlands ". Following Napoleon's second defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in June 1815, the Vienna Congress supplied international recognition of William's unilateral move. The new king of the Netherlands was also made Grand Duke of Luxembourg , a part of the Kingdom that was, at
17080-512: The two Leeward Antilles known at the time. This was followed by the more accurate Cantino map , created anonymously in 1502, which also showed an extensive landmass and mentioned the Isla do gigante (Island of Giants) and Isla do brasil (Island of Brasil) . The location of the Isla do gigante southwest of the Isla do brasil suggest that it refers to Bonaire and Curaçao since Aruba is located more to
17220-556: The two sides agreeing to assign the Institute of Social Studies in The Hague to prepare a study for independence, entitled Aruba en Onafhankelijkheid, achtergronden, modaliteiten, en mogelijkheden; een rapport in eerste aanleg (Aruba and independence, backgrounds, modalities, and opportunities; a preliminary report) (1978). In March 1983 Aruba reached an official agreement within the kingdom for its independence, to be developed in
17360-406: The untitled nobility, i.e. De hoogwelgeboren heer, Jonkheer/Jhr. [Forename] [Surname] (male version) or De hoogwelgeboren vrouwe, Jonkvrouw/Jkvr. [Forename] [Surname] (female version). The coronet of rank for a hereditary Ridder is as follows: a plain circlet of gold with eight golden points, each topped with a pearl; five of them are seen in a representation. Furthermore, the golden circlet of
17500-563: The vast Venezuelan oil fields, bringing greater prosperity to the island. During World War II, the Netherlands was occupied by Nazi Germany . In 1940, the oil facilities in Aruba came under the administration of the Dutch government-in-exile in London, causing them to be attacked by the German navy in 1942. In August 1947, Aruba formulated its first staatsreglement (constitution) for Aruba's status aparte as an autonomous state within
17640-466: The way or later in the gold mines by the Spanish colonizers or during the devastating smallpox epidemic of 1518. Later on, new Indians migrated from the mainland to Aruba, while Indians were brought to Curaçao by Juan de Ampiés . The indigenous population was under encomienda, which ended the autonomy of Caquetío community in the islands. Their relatives on the mainland did not fare any better. After an unsuccessful attempt by Bartolomé de Las Casas to convert
17780-483: Was a form of consultation between the diao and lower leaders. In the 16th century, two sub-units, the Guaranos and Amuayes , lived on the Paraguaná Peninsula. Aruba, which is less than 30 kilometers away from Paraguaná, was previously connected to one of these units. After the diao and the regional sub-units, such as the mentioned Guaranaos an Amuayes in Paraguaná, the village formed the third level of governance in
17920-468: Was an unknown continent. Characteristic of his Christian medieval perspective, Columbus solved the puzzle by assuming that he had discovered the earthly paradise . The earthly paradise was inaccessible to humans without God's permission. Columbus experienced the geographical discovery of the New World in Christian terms and assigned himself a special role assigned by a divine power. With the discovery of
18060-494: Was available. The Caquetío people probably used a shifting cultivation farming method, also known as slash-and-burn . The yields from agriculture and fishing were supplemented by engaging in trade of raw materials and artifacts that were not locally available or producible. Sixteenth century sources indicate that the Caquetíos traded in, among other things, salt, canoes, tobacco, and beads. The Leeward Caquetíos certainly did not live in isolation but formed outlying regions of
18200-468: Was found dead hanging from a tree branch not far from his hut. Estimated to be approximately 50 years old, he was buried in situ and was not properly buried due to the hard rocky surface, he was only covered with a layer of earth and stones. Pyclas' skull was gifted to the former Rijks Ethnographisch Museum , presently National Museum of Ethnology in Leiden, with the mediation of A.J. van Koolwijk . It
18340-411: Was granted significant religious authority in the Americas, which was not strictly separate from the state and weakened the distinction between the religious and secular spheres—a key aspect of separation between church and state. Conquistadors were fascinated by legends of inexhaustible gold reserves of El Dorado . The conquest was characterized by bloodshed, destruction, and forced assimilation of
18480-634: Was highly sought after throughout Europe. Salt importation began in the 15th century when the Dutch discovered high-quality salt in Setúbal the Iberian coast. This sea salt was good for preserving herring because of its magnesium sulfate and magnesium chloride content. However, the Eighty Years' War prompted Phillip II to halt this trade. With the salt supply cut off, the Dutch were forced to seek new trade routes. Their quest for salt led them to
18620-523: Was not before 1814, when William of Orange became King of the Netherlands that they were again appointed in another form, but by the time of the constitution of 1848, they had no influence in government affairs. In 1814, if no higher title was recognised, the men only were to bear the hereditary predicate of Jonkheer. The old feudal families obtained the title of Baron or Baroness for all their descendants. The hereditary title Ridder descends in two ways: "op allen" (to all – i.e. every male descendant, in
18760-488: Was not mentioned in the Charter. In 1955, Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard visited Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles. The royal couple were welcomed enthusiastically by the local population, and the trip was widely reported in the Dutch press. Several other royal visits were to follow. In 1969, an unorganised strike on the Antillean island of Curaçao resulted in serious disturbances and looting , during which
18900-591: Was not until 1824 that gold was discovered on Aruba by a 12-year-old herder named Willem Rasmijn , leading to the Aruban Gold Rush . In Aruba's prehistoric era, there were distinct periods: the Archaic or Pre-Ceramic and the Neo-Indian or Ceramic (Dabajuroïd) period. The Archaic occupation of Aruba continued well into the first millennium AD, which is relatively late in compared to other parts of
19040-455: Was once again used as leverage in 1674 to show the English the dangers of their alliance with France. During the 17th century, the Dutch considered England their main adversary, as evidenced by the three wars they fought against the English. The Second Anglo-Dutch War and the subsequent peace treaty in 1667 marked a pivotal moment in Caribbean colonial possessions. Dutch supremacy waned, and
19180-431: Was proclaimed in 1954, Suriname, Netherlands New Guinea , and the Netherlands Antilles, (formerly, Kolonie Curaçao en Onderhorige Eilanden , "Colony of Curaçao and subordinates ") were colonies of the Netherlands. Suriname was a constituent country within the Kingdom from 1954 to 1975, while the Netherlands Antilles was a constituent country from 1954 until 2010. Suriname has since become an independent republic, and
19320-477: Was remarkable, as independence had not been an issue during the election campaign. The Den Uyl government in The Hague now had a willing partner in Paramaribo to realise its plans for Surinamese independence. Despite vehement and emotional resistance by the Surinamese opposition, Den Uyl and Arron reached an agreement, and, on 25 November 1975, Suriname became independent. In January 1986, Aruba seceded from
19460-536: Was returned to Dutch authority in accordance with the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1814 . Aruba was then integrated into the Colony of Curaçao and Dependencies , along with Bonaire. Throughout the 19th century, the island's economy evolved, centered around gold, phosphate ( Aruba Phosphate Company ), and the aloe vera industry ( Royal Aruba Aloe ), However, despite these economic activities, Aruba continued to be
19600-534: Was sparked by the 1941 Atlantic Charter (stating "the right of all peoples to choose the form of government under which they will live, and the desire for a permanent system of general security"), which was signed by the Netherlands on 1 January 1942. Changes were proposed in the 7 December 1942 radio speech by Queen Wilhelmina . In this speech, the Queen, on behalf of the Dutch government in exile in London , expressed
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