Editing History of the Netherlands (section)

==1900 to present==
{{main|History of the Netherlands (1900–present)}}
{{See|Netherlands in World War I|Great Depression in the Netherlands|Netherlands in World War II}}
[[File:Population of the Netherlands 1900-2000.png|thumb|Population growth 1900–2000]]

From 1900 to 1940, the Netherlands experienced significant population growth. This era included significant colonial expansion, particularly in the [[Dutch East Indies]], coupled with the challenges posed by World War I and the [[Great Depression]]. Although the Netherlands maintained neutrality during World War I, its strategic geographic location and colonial resources had profound implications for its economic and political stability. The period saw the rise of socialism and labor unrest, which were partly driven by industrialization and the shifting dynamics of Dutch society. A half-hearted socialist revolution attempt during the [[Red Week (Netherlands)|Red Week]] in November 1918 failed.

World War II marked a devastating period for the Netherlands, which suffered under German occupation from 1940 until liberation in 1945. The war's impact was severe, with the [[Rotterdam Blitz]] causing extensive destruction and loss of life. Dutch resistance was significant, though the nation also faced collaboration from within. Post-war, the Netherlands underwent a painful process of recovery and retribution against collaborators. The immediate post-war years were focused on rebuilding and economic stabilization, facilitated by U.S. aid through the [[Marshall Plan]], which helped to revive the Dutch economy and infrastructure.

[[File:President Trump Meets with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands (48317652116).jpg|thumb|Dutch Prime Minister [[Mark Rutte]] and U.S. President [[Donald Trump]] in the [[Oval Office]] on 18 July 2019]]The post-war period saw significant changes in the [[Dutch empire]], with Indonesia proclaiming independence in 1945, leading to a violent and tumultuous decolonization process completed in 1949. This era brought about substantial social change within the Netherlands, including the establishment of a welfare state in the subsequent decades. Economic prosperity in the 1960s and 1970s led to social liberalization, culminating in progressive policies on immigration, drugs, and euthanasia. The Netherlands also became a founding member of key international institutions, including the [[European Union]], reflecting its deepening commitment to international cooperation.