Sint-Michielsgestel

   During World War II, the Nazis estab lished a hostage camp in this municipality in Northern Brabant. Be tween 1942 and 1944, they interned many Dutch intellectuals and politicians there, such as theologian Willem Banning (1888– 1971), Willem Schermerhorn, and author Simon Vestdijk (1898– 1971). Within these circles, the idea of a Dutch people’s movement the Nederlandse Volksbeweging (1945; changed into the Personalis tische Unie, 1946–1951)—was born, a movement to create a politi cal breakthrough (Doorbraak) in the Dutch pillarized society. After the war, the foundation of the Partij van de Arbeid (PvdA, Labor Party) was one of the results.

   See also Political parties.