How was Holland affected by World War two?

Answer 1

As my knowledge is limited, this answer has to be a beginning, until someone with greater knowledge adds additional input.

During World War 1, the Netherlands, was a sovereign nation which claimed to be non-aligned, and therefore openly traded with either/both sides.

However, it became [I suspect to avoid conflict with Germany] an unwilling but necessarily very cooperative, close ally of Germany.

Obviously the normal products of the Netherlands, which were needed by, and could be used by, Germany were provided.

One of these would have been the animal and vegetable food and manufacturing raw material products produced by the Netherlands.

Probably most significant, as the Netherlands was/is a great seafaring nation, their seaports became a tremendous asset to the German supply chain.

One product, regarding which I have personal knowledge passed down through family members, is that of SULPHUR, a naturally occurring element which was an absolutely necessary component [in tremendous quantities] for the manufacture of munitions.

All through the war, Netherlands industry/businessmen openly purchased oreship loads of United States' Sulphur [from "Sulphur Mines, Louisiana, near Lake Charles], had it shipped to the Netherlands's ports, where it was downloaded to railroad cars, and then transhipped directly into Germany for the production of munitions! Although efforts were made to stop this practice, to my knowledge, it continued throughout the war.

I suspect also, that much of the Netherlands manufacturing production was dedicated to the interests of the German cause.j3h.

Answer 2

The Netherlands remained neutral throughout WWI and was not occupied by foreign forces. It did suffer from the reduction in merchant shipping and communication with it's colonies in the carribean and the far east.

Answer 3

On 10 May 1940 the Netherlands were invaded by Germany and remained under Nazi rule till May 1945.