Rioting on Coronation Day. Photo: Dijk, Hans van / Anefo via National Archive
Lots of people seem to think the current riots are something very un-Dutch. But nothing could be further from the truth. Amid the fireworks, water cannon and looting of the last couple of days, put your helmets on for a choice selection of street battles through the ages.
Hatchet riots
The Bijltjesoproer, or riot of the small hatchets, of 1787 was a result of political strife between supporters of the House of Orange and the Patriotten (patriots) who wanted democratic reform. The Amsterdam regents were on the side of the patriots and this caused resentment among working people, many of whom were royalists.