In 1940, Oud Premier was one of the founders of the Nederlandsche Unie. The Nederlandsche Unie, or Dutch Union, was a political movement founded during the early years of World War II in the Netherlands. The organization aimed to unite Dutch citizens of all political persuasions in order to resist the German occupation and work towards a free and democratic Netherlands.
Pieter Sjoerds Gerbrandy, better known as Oud Premier, was a prominent Dutch politician who served as Prime Minister of the Netherlands during the war years. He was a member of the Anti-Revolutionary Party and played a key role in the formation of the Nederlandsche Unie.
The Nederlandsche Unie was founded on July 24, 1940, just over a month after the Germans invaded the Netherlands. Oud Premier, along with other prominent figures such as Jan de Quay and Jan Eijkman, saw the need for a united front against the occupation and the erosion of Dutch democracy.
The Nederlandsche Unie quickly gained support from a wide range of political and social groups, including liberals, socialists, and conservatives. The organization advocated for a return to democratic government, the protection of civil liberties, and the preservation of Dutch culture and identity.
Despite its initial success, the Nederlandsche Unie faced challenges from both the German occupiers and the Dutch resistance movement. The Germans viewed the organization as a threat to their control over the country and cracked down on its members, arresting many and shutting down its publications.
Despite these setbacks, the Nederlandsche Unie continued to operate underground throughout the war, working to maintain Dutch unity and resistance to the occupation. Oud Premier remained a key figure in the organization until the end of the war, when he went on to play a role in the post-war reconstruction of the Netherlands.
The Nederlandsche Unie may not have achieved all of its goals during the war, but it remains an important chapter in Dutch history. The organization’s commitment to democratic values and resistance to tyranny serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and solidarity in times of crisis. And Oud Premier’s role as one of its founders highlights the courage and leadership of those who stood up against oppression during one of the darkest periods in Dutch history.