since 1977. (3) In early 1995, the Dutch battled serious flooding. Rivers throughout north-western Europe overflowed their banks as a result of heavy rainfall and melting snow. The Netherlands declared a state of emergency and about 250,000 people were evacuated. Damages and evacuation expenses were estimated at more than $1 billion. (3) 2.14 Historical dates 58 BC - Julius Caesar conquered the area now known as the Netherlands. AD 925 - The Netherlands became part of the Holy Roman Empire. 1100s - Trade and industry developed in the Netherlands and the country became a natural trading centre for Western Europe. 1516 - The Netherlands passed under Spanish control as Charles V, ruler of the Low Countries, became king of Spain. 1581 - The Protestant provinces of the Low Countries declared their independence. Spain and the Netherlands fought for years, until Spain recognized Dutch independence in 1648.
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