The failed revolution in November 1918 was a failed attempt to declare a socialist revolution in the Netherlands.
A year earlier, a revolution took place in Russia, forcing Tsar Nicholas II to abdicate.
Pieter Jelle Troelstra was leader of the Social Democratic Workers Party and he also wanted to unleash a revolution in the Netherlands, inspired by the situation in Russia.
In 1918, the First World War was still going on, which also caused economic problems in the Netherlands, including a food shortage and unemployment.
This caused mini uprisings in a small number of places.
In Germany it was clear that they were going to lose the war and there too the population and soldiers revolted. The Emperor had to abdicate and flee.
In the Netherlands, riots broke out in October in the army town of Harskamp by soldiers due to the cancellation of leave and poor nutrition.
Because of all this, Jelle Troelstra thought he had sufficient signals that the Netherlands was also ripe for a revolution. He attacked in fierce speeches and on November 11th his party presented a package of demands.
However, this was overshadowed by the news that the war was over. Many Dutch people celebrated and at that moment the revolution was already lost.
Troelstra kept trying and called for revolution in the House of Representatives.
The government took all kinds of measures. The Royal family received extra protection and the palaces were also protected. The army was sent to the major cities.
On November 13th, Troelstra declared that a revolution was not possible, the uprising was definitely over.
On November 18th, supporters of the monarchy organised a large demonstration on the Malieveld in The Hague.
Thousands of people attended and Queen Wilhelmina, Queen Emma and Princess Juliana were also present. When their carriage entered the Malieveld, the horses were unharnessed by the crowd and soldiers pulled the carriage across the field.
Princess Juliana (9 years old) in the clothes she wore on November 18
Loyalty to Orange had overcome the fire of revolution had gone out.
On November 20th, Queen Wilhelmina issued a proclamation.
Following these events, various souvenirs have appeared on the market, here are some examples:
Bronze medal
Rare medal in original box, on one side Princess Juliana on the other side Prince Willem of Orange
Metal beaker with the text: Even when everything is upside down, The house of orange stays on Top
Two commemorative plates
