Johan Rudolf Thorbecke: Difference between revisions
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'''Johan Rudolf Thorbecke''' ([[January 14]], [[1798]] – [[June 4]], [[1872]]) was one of the most important [[Netherlands|Dutch]] politicians. In |
'''Johan Rudolf Thorbecke''' ([[January 14]], [[1798]] – [[June 4]], [[1872]]) was one of the most important [[Netherlands|Dutch]] politicians. In 1848, he virtually singlehandedly drafted the revision of the [[Constitution of the Netherlands|Dutch constitution]], giving less power to the king, and more to the parliament. |
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==Early life== |
==Early life== |
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Thorbecke was born in [[Zwolle]], and began studying classic literature and philosophy in [[Amsterdam]], studies he finished in [[Leiden]] defending a thesis on [[Asinius Pollio]]. After studying at several universities in [[Germany]] he was appointed at the chair of diplomacy (history of international relations) at the [[University of Ghent]] in [[Belgium]], which in those days was part of the Netherlands. Because of the Belgian insurrection in |
Thorbecke was born in [[Zwolle]], and began studying classic literature and philosophy in [[Amsterdam]], studies he finished in [[Leiden]] defending a thesis on [[Asinius Pollio]]. After studying at several universities in [[Germany]] he was appointed at the chair of diplomacy (history of international relations) at the [[University of Ghent]] in [[Belgium]], which in those days was part of the Netherlands. Because of the Belgian insurrection in 1830 he had to give up this position, and one year later he was promoted to professor in diplomacy and modern history at the [[University of Leiden]]. |
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==Political career== |
==Political career== |
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In |
In 1839, he published his criticisms of the current Dutch constitution in a very detailed study ('Aanteekening op de grondwet'); as a result, he became a well-known political figure. Five years later, together with eight other politicians, he formulated a proposal to change the Dutch constitution. The proposal, known as the ''Voorstel der Negenmannen'' ("proposition of the nine men"), did not pass through the [[Tweede Kamer]], the second chamber of the Dutch parliament. |
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Due to the international unrest in |
Due to the international unrest in 1848, [[William II of the Netherlands|King William II]] decided to form a committee for revision of the constitution, and Thorbecke was appointed as the head of that committee. The changes, which were virtually all created by Thorbecke, were grudgingly approved by the parliament. The most important changes were those limiting of the powers of the monarch, introducing direct elections, establishing liberty of religion, and strengthening the powers of the parliament and the ministers. The new constitution was proclaimed on [[November 3]], 1848. |
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In |
In 1849, Thorbecke became minister of internal affairs, thereby ''de facto'' becoming the first [[Prime Minister]] of the Netherlands. During this cabinet, he devised several important laws, most important of which were laws on elections (1850), municipalities (1851) and provinces (1850). His cabinet was forced to resign in 1853 because of the so-called ''Aprilbeweging'' ("April Movement"), a [[Protestant]] group which protested against re-instituting the [[Catholic]] [[diocese]]s, which Thorbecke's cabinet had allowed. |
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On [[January 31]], [[1862]], Thorbecke again became minister of internal affairs. During his second cabinet, a new law regarding secondary education was among the most important achievements. Important works regarding national transportation were initiated. The cabinet fell on [[February 10]], [[1866]] and Thorbecke resigned, after a conflict regarding criminal law in the [[Dutch East Indies]]. |
On [[January 31]], [[1862]], Thorbecke again became minister of internal affairs. During his second cabinet, a new law regarding secondary education was among the most important achievements. Important works regarding national transportation were initiated. The cabinet fell on [[February 10]], [[1866]] and Thorbecke resigned, after a conflict regarding criminal law in the [[Dutch East Indies]]. |
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Revision as of 10:53, 3 November 2007
Johan Rudolf Thorbecke | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Prime Minister of the Netherlands | |
| In office 4 January 1871 – 6 July 1872 | |
| Preceded by | Pieter Philip van Bosse |
| Succeeded by | Gerrit de Vries Azn |
| Constituency | several |
| Prime Minister of the Netherlands | |
| In office 1 February 1862 – 10 February 1866 | |
| Preceded by | Schelto van Heemstra |
| Succeeded by | Isaäc Dignus Fransen van de Putte |
| Prime Minister of the Netherlands | |
| In office 1 November 1849 – 19 April 1853 | |
| Preceded by | Jacob de Kempenaer |
| Succeeded by | Floris Adriaan van Hall |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 14, 1798 Zwolle, Netherlands |
| Died | June 4, 1872 (aged 74) The Hague, Netherlands |
| Political party | Liberal |
| Spouse | Adelheid Solger |
| Signature |  |
Johan Rudolf Thorbecke (January 14, 1798 – June 4, 1872) was one of the most important Dutch politicians. In 1848, he virtually singlehandedly drafted the revision of the Dutch constitution, giving less power to the king, and more to the parliament.
Early life
Thorbecke was born in Zwolle, and began studying classic literature and philosophy in Amsterdam, studies he finished in Leiden defending a thesis on Asinius Pollio. After studying at several universities in Germany he was appointed at the chair of diplomacy (history of international relations) at the University of Ghent in Belgium, which in those days was part of the Netherlands. Because of the Belgian insurrection in 1830 he had to give up this position, and one year later he was promoted to professor in diplomacy and modern history at the University of Leiden.
Political career
In 1839, he published his criticisms of the current Dutch constitution in a very detailed study ('Aanteekening op de grondwet'); as a result, he became a well-known political figure. Five years later, together with eight other politicians, he formulated a proposal to change the Dutch constitution. The proposal, known as the Voorstel der Negenmannen ("proposition of the nine men"), did not pass through the Tweede Kamer, the second chamber of the Dutch parliament.
Due to the international unrest in 1848, King William II decided to form a committee for revision of the constitution, and Thorbecke was appointed as the head of that committee. The changes, which were virtually all created by Thorbecke, were grudgingly approved by the parliament. The most important changes were those limiting of the powers of the monarch, introducing direct elections, establishing liberty of religion, and strengthening the powers of the parliament and the ministers. The new constitution was proclaimed on November 3, 1848.
In 1849, Thorbecke became minister of internal affairs, thereby de facto becoming the first Prime Minister of the Netherlands. During this cabinet, he devised several important laws, most important of which were laws on elections (1850), municipalities (1851) and provinces (1850). His cabinet was forced to resign in 1853 because of the so-called Aprilbeweging ("April Movement"), a Protestant group which protested against re-instituting the Catholic dioceses, which Thorbecke's cabinet had allowed.
On January 31, 1862, Thorbecke again became minister of internal affairs. During his second cabinet, a new law regarding secondary education was among the most important achievements. Important works regarding national transportation were initiated. The cabinet fell on February 10, 1866 and Thorbecke resigned, after a conflict regarding criminal law in the Dutch East Indies.
During the periods he was not part of the government, he was still a very influential member of parliament, quite often pointing out to his colleagues and to the ministers the right way to interpret the constitution.
On January 4, 1871, Thorbecke led his third and final cabinet. His plans for reforms in the army failed, and he became ill in December of that year. He never fully recovered, and he died at his home in The Hague.
Regretted by many, hated by some (he was not a man of concessions), he is nowadays considered a towering figure in the Dutch parliamentary history. There are two statues of Thorbecke (one in Amsterdam and one in Zwolle), and a room in the Dutch parliament building is named after him.
Thorbecke wrote many articles on history and several newspaper articles (especially in the 'Journal de La Haye') on topics of the day. He published a study on the philosophy of history (in German), and all of his speeches in parliament have been published.