The Netherlands

The Netherlands remained neutral during the First World War, but was nevertheless significantly affected by it. Its army remained fully mobilized to counter any possible threat, and its economy felt the strain of both belligerents’ attempts to control the world’s sea lanes and supplies. Neutrality also created its own unique problems, as the Dutch government had to care for thousands of refugees, detain soldiers who had entered her territory, and attempted to censor a partisan press. In 1917-1918, the government proved unable to deal with the manifold problems created by the next-door war and neutrality, sparking widespread unrest.