15 May 2024

Mothers of the Fatherland

The history of the Netherlands has also been shaped by a number of powerful and influential women. They will finally receive recognition for their crucial contribution to the shaping of the Netherlands and Belgium at the presentation of the book Moeders des Vaderlands (Mothers of the Fatherland).

During the book launch of Moeders des Vaderlands, a number of women from the collection will be introduced to the public. In addition, editor Simon Dikker Hupkes of Atlas Contact will talk to the compilers of the collection, Ineke Huysman and Femke Deen, and some of the authors.

The history of the Netherlands has been shaped not only by men, but also by a number of powerful and influential women. Until now, they have received little recognition for their crucial contribution to the shaping of the Netherlands and Belgium. This omission will be rectified in the new publication Moeders des Vaderlands, launched during this book launch.

In Mothers of the Fatherland. The women who shaped the Netherlands (Atlas Contact), eighteen historians, both national and international, bring to life in as many portraits the often overlooked women of the Middle Ages and early modern period. They show that these women were important political figures. Women like Mary of Hungary, Isabella of Austria and Albertine Agnes of Orange-Nassau were indispensable for forging unity, building networks, practising diplomacy and fighting wars.