Strong Water

For centuries, the Dutch Waterline was the secret weapon of the Netherlands. This main defence of our country ran from Muiden to the Biesbosch and is based on flooding land. The exceptional circumstances of the cultural landscape of the Utrecht and Dutch polders gave the inhabitants this special opportunity for defence. Because of the rich experience with water management, our hereditary enemy could also function as an ally. By deliberately flooding polders, an insurmountable obstacle was created for enemy armies.

In the Disaster Year of 1672, the Waterline was successfully used against the French for the first time. The last to use this defense system were the German occupiers in 1944-1945. After this, after centuries of loyal service, the Line lost its military significance.

Today, the New Dutch Waterline is the largest national monument in the Netherlands and unique in the world. The well-preserved post-military landscape with more than forty forts, hundreds of posts and batteries, military locks and waterworks is largely publicly accessible and experienceable. Fortified towns such as Gorinchem and Naarden are well-known, the forts around Utrecht are now used as a clubhouse, catering and wedding location.

This richly illustrated book is a completely revised, updated edition of the successful standard work Strong Water. Text and images provide a broad insight into the origin, developments, military operation and current use of the Dutch Waterline