How much do you know about the history of the Netherlands? Have you ever heard about the Dutch Famine of 1944 to 1945? Perhaps it’s time for a little history lesson.
As the Second World War was nearing its end, the supply of food to the Netherlands was disrupted by a German blockade, and people endured a savage and brutal famine that led to the deaths of thousands of people. The German army blockades also halted the supply of coal, so not only was it a hongerwinter (hungry winter) - it was a cold one too.
The images from the period are shocking, and this is a rare example of a famine developing in recent history in a country that was considered wealthy and developed.