During the Dutch Revolt against Spain, the armies consisted mainly of mercenaries. In times of war, they were recruited for ser vice in the naval fleet and in the army; during peacetime, most were dismissed, with a civil militia retained to keep order. Conscription was introduced in the 19th century. The Dutch armies were also ac tive in the colonies, especially the Netherlands East Indies (In donesia). Defense in Europe was relatively weak, but was somewhat strengthened by the Dutch foreign policy of neutrality—which was effective only in World War I. Fortified cities with permanent gar risons on the borders of the country, for example, Bourtange, Grol (Groenlo), Coevorden, and Maastricht, and many other fortifica tions, had become obsolete by the middle of the 19th century; most were demolished. Since 1945, the army has gradually been integrated into the forces of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). In the last few decades, Dutch troops have participated in United Na tions (UN) and NATO peacekeeping missions, for instance, in Lebanon, the former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Women have been present in the army since World War II, until 1982 in a special division. In 2005, a yearly Veterans Day was introduced on 29 June, the birthday of Prince Bernhard.
See also Fortresses; Srebrenica tragedy.
Historical Dictionary of the Netherlands. EdwART. 2012.