Johan Rudolf Thorbecke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Johan Rudolph Thorbecke
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Portrait by Johan Heinrich Neuman, 1852
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Johan Rudolph Thorbecke
14 January 1798 Zwolle, Netherlands |
| Died | 4 June 1872 (aged 74) The Hague, Netherlands |
| Spouse | Adelheid Solger (m. 1836–1870; her death) |
| Children | 4 sons and 2 daughters |
| Alma mater | Leiden University |
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Johan Rudolph Thorbecke (born 14 January 1798 – died 4 June 1872) was a very important Dutch politician. He lived in the 1800s and was a key leader for a group called the liberals.
In 1848, Thorbecke played a huge role in changing the Constitution of the Netherlands. This important document sets the rules for how a country is governed. His changes gave less power to the king. They gave more power to the States General, which is like the Dutch parliament. He also made sure people had more freedom. This included freedom of religion, personal choices, and political opinions.
Contents
Who Was Johan Rudolph Thorbecke?
Johan Rudolph Thorbecke was born in Zwolle, Netherlands. He grew up to be a smart person who studied many things. He was a professor at Leiden University. He taught about history and law. He was also a historian and a jurist, which means he was an expert in law.
Becoming a Politician
Thorbecke became a politician in the 19th century. He believed in liberal ideas. This meant he wanted more freedom for people. He also wanted the government to be fair. He thought the king should have less power. He wanted the people's representatives to have more say.
Changing the Dutch Constitution
Thorbecke's biggest achievement was in 1848. He worked almost by himself to rewrite the Dutch Constitution. This was a very big deal for the Netherlands.
Why the Constitution Changed
Before 1848, the king had a lot of power. Thorbecke wanted to change this. He believed that the people, through their elected representatives, should have more control. He wanted a government that listened to its citizens.
What the New Constitution Did
The new Constitution, thanks to Thorbecke, brought many important changes:
- Less Power for the King: The king's role became more symbolic. He still represented the country, but he couldn't make all the decisions alone.
- More Power for Parliament: The States General (parliament) gained more power. This meant the people's elected representatives had a stronger voice.
- More Freedom for People: The Constitution guaranteed more rights for citizens. This included freedom to choose their religion. It also gave them more personal and political freedom. People could speak their minds more freely.
Thorbecke's Legacy
Johan Rudolph Thorbecke's work changed the Netherlands forever. He helped create a modern, democratic country. His ideas about freedom and fair government are still important today. He is remembered as one of the most important Dutch politicians in history.
Images for kids
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Thorbecke's birthplace in Zwolle, nowadays known as the Thorbeckehuis
See also
In Spanish: Johan Rudolf Thorbecke para niños
