The Art of Staying Neutral
The Netherlands in the First World War, 1914-1918
Distributed for Amsterdam University Press
512 pages
|
30 halftones
|
6-3/4 x 9-1/2
An insightful account of the challenges of neutrality in an era of total war, The Art of Staying Neutral shows how the Netherlands remained peaceful throughout World War I. This sustained neutrality, Maartje Abbenhuis demonstrates, was the result of many factors, including masterly diplomacy, careful adherence to international laws and a decisive measure of good fortune. Neutrality, however, did not come without considerable costs to the nation’s economy and security.
This book is a major contribution both to the study of neutrality and the domestic history of the Netherlands.
This book is a major contribution both to the study of neutrality and the domestic history of the Netherlands.
"In this solid, workmanlike, thoroughly researched study, [the author] shows how difficult the maintenance of neutrality rendered life in the Netherlands during the First World War, affecting every person and every aspect of life. . . . An important contribution."
"[The author's] approach is highly original and her findings are full of interest for an international history readeship, as well as raising broader issues about the practice of neutrality in general. . . . Both Abbenhuis and Amsterdam University Press are to be congratulated for the care they have devoted to producing this excellent monograph."
Contents
List of Tables, Maps and Illustrations
Acknowledgements
Preface by Piet de Rooij
Introduction: The War Knocked on Our Door, It Did Not Step Inside: The Netherlands and the Great War
Chapter 1: A Nation Too Small to Commit Great Stupidities: The Netherlands and Neutrality
Chapter 2: A Pack of Lions: The Dutch Armed Forces
Chapter 3: Api Api: The Mobilisation July-August 1914
Chapter 4: Calm Amidst the Raging Waves: Defending Territorial Neutrality
Chapter 5: Fugitives of War: Refugees and Internees
Chapter 6: Shifting Sand and Gravel: Military and Economic Neutrality
Chapter 7: Somewhere Between War and Peace: The States of War and Siege
Chapter 8: Ash-Grey with Neutrality: Safeguarding Neutrality in the State of Siege
Chapter 9: The War for Bread and Guns: Supply and the Fate of a Small Nation
Chapter 10: No More War! The Furore over Leave and Demobilisation
Chapter 11: This Dreary War: Expressions of Popular Frustration
Chapter 12: All Hell Has Broken Loose: The Year 1918
Conclusion: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea: The Paradox of Neutrality
Appendices
Illustrations Credits
Notes
Bibliography
Index
For more information, or to order this book, please visit http://www.press.uchicago.edu
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History: Military History
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