Defense

   The function of national defense was developed in con nection with the process of state formation. During the Revolt of the Netherlands against Spain, previous strategies were outdated and had to be changed. The crucial strategic importance of fortified towns had become obvious. Stadtholders Prince Maurice and Count William Louis (Willem Lodewijk) and their military advisors, such as Simon Stevin, adapted their tactics; for example, Prince Frederick Henry, a successful military leader, earned the epithet Stedendwinger (“Con queror of Towns”). During the 17th century, the navy became an im portant instrument in defending the mercantile interests of the Re public; several wars were fought at sea against the English rivals. The army and fleet consisted mostly of mercenaries who could be disbanded after the campaign. Aprofessional army and military ser vice were phenomena that did not appear until after the 18th century. Although a foreign policy of neutrality was successfully followed (until the German invasion in 1940), the Netherlands still required a solid army for its wars of “pacification” in the colonies, especially in the Netherlands East Indies(e.g., the Java War of 1825–1830 or the Aceh Warof 1873–1914). Since 1949 the Dutch Army has been part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

   See also Dutch water line; Fortresses.