History_of_the_Netherlands_Antilles History_of_the_Netherlands_Antilles

History of the Netherlands Antilles - Definition and Overview

The Netherlands Antilles were colonized by the Netherlands in the 17th century. They were once the center of the Caribbean slave trade.

The island of CuraƧao was hard hit by the abolition of slavery in 1863. Its prosperity (and that of neighboring Aruba) was restored in the early 20th century with the construction of oil refineries to service the newly discovered Venezuelan oil fields. The island of Sint Maarten is shared with France (whose northern portion is named Saint-Martin and is a part of Guadeloupe, though there have been movements to become a separate overseas territory). The Netherlands Antilles remain part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Example Usage of Netherlands

Kapop: @johncmayer is it true that you'll come to the Netherlands for a concert ? that would be fantastic! i love your new album (& the old ones)
FarzanaJonas: @lOvE_MiiLeY_x3 The Netherlands.
toothfairynotes: @mskyou we don't celebrate thanksgiving here in the Netherlands!
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