Greater Netherlands? 🇳🇱

The concept of Greater Netherlands is a historical and cultural notion that envisions a political and territorial union of Dutch-speaking regions beyond the borders of the modern Kingdom of the Netherlands. It encompasses the idea of uniting the Netherlands and Flandres. This concept has deep historical roots, stemming from the shared language, culture, and historical ties of these regions.

Historically, the concept of Greater Netherlands gained prominence during the 19th century as a response to the Belgian Revolution and the subsequent division of the Low Countries. Advocates of Greater Netherlands aimed to reunify Dutch-speaking territories, but the political realities and national identities of the countries involved have largely prevented its realization.

Note that the Greater Netherlands isn't the same as Pan-Netherlands (Whole Netherlands) which encompasses the Low Countries (Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg) into a single state, as it was during the times of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands.

[Willindor]

To quote Stille Willem "Iedereen is van de wereld en de wereld is van Nederland"

[BHuang]

The Greatest Netherlands

*All of Europe* 😃

[Blokfluitgroep]

Greater Netherlands should also include the small northwest part of France, where originally Dutch was spoken too.

[xander]

Dutchie here. I know a couple of people in Vlaanderen. I've talked to them about this, I'll summarise the major points.

Belgium as a country is already heavily divided of course, with the country being roughly split 50/50 via Dutch/French speaking. (And like 2% german). The Dutch speaking part is rich, French speaking part is dirt poor. The culture is diffirent. The language is of course very diffirent.
That said, Belgium splitting up obviously isn't that much of a farfetched idea.

But from my understanding, most people in Flaanders would rather become an independent nation than join the Netherlands.

Personally, I'd like for them to join us. We'd have alot of road fixing to do, and maybe fixing the accent if possible (kidding).
If they become independent they'll just be a tiny not majorly important country, apart from Brussles to be fair.
But together, we could really be something great.

Time will tell

[vaxuvax]

Every country has its Greater territorial dream

[dr.barrycohn]

My only experience of Netherlands is having been there and i found the food, people, and the arts were great.

[sdv]

While we are at it we should claim the dutch parts up to duinkerke too.

[Bramfly]

Would like the Netherlands plus Flanders as one entity. We’re family after all. Without overwhelming consensus, which there isn’t, not happening any time soon though. 😊

[FlagAnthem]

I honestly expected it being about uniting with the Nedderdüütsch speakers areas...

[janvermeulen]

Interesting! Where can I find more information about this?

[soomkes]

The world would look better if we were bigger.. we punch way above our weight

[Reuzenwooink]

The ginormous Netherlands
"All oceans but drained"

[dopedagoth]

shouldnt greater netherlands also include the rest of Frisia?

[Adrian-jucm]

Was there ever a greater Friesland movement??

[rolandrothwell]

Dear History Hussel please be in touch as I'm doing a postgraduate certificate in Education this September 🙏 your channel really helps!

[janpostma]

Id rather have greater frissia. Its like the greater netherlands but include öst-friesland saaterland and helgo land

[blergh]

Greater Netherlands in some portrayals also had Emden!

[ab-ymbf]

Never going to happen, we might share a language but that's about it. Belgian are not overall fond of us arrogant Dutch, and certain Dutch look down on Belgians.

It would be a relative economic powerhouse though. But for now, the Benelux co-operation seems to work fine enough.

[MadMan]

Shouldn't a greater Netherlands also include the Frisian areas of Germany?

[Marchaxq]

I thought that pan Netherlands idea included northern France