Neutral in First World War. Invaded by Germany 10 May 1940 and surrended 5 days later. Occupied until spring 1945. Winter of 1944 many die in food shortage - relieved by Allied food drops . 1947 sought to regain far eastern colony of Indonesia, but forced to cede independence in 1949. Founder member of NATO on 4 April 1949. Joined European Community in 1957? Granted independence to Surinam in 1975. Netherlands Antilles remain as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Participated in NATO Deny Flight/Determined Force operation 1995 and Deliberate Force operation in 1999.