Netherlands
"Wien Neêrlands Bloed" (Who is of Dutch Blood)

Words by: Hendrik Tollens
Music by: Johan Wilhelm Wilms
In use: 1815-1932

Upon the Netherlands' establishment as a separate kingdom in 1815, a national anthem was needed for the nation. Despite "Wilhelmus" being popular among the Dutch people since the 17th century, the new government decided to hold a contest for a new anthem. (One reason that "Wilhelmus" might not have been considered was the fall from grace of the House of Orange, the house of the main character of the song.)

Despite having a new anthem, "Wilhelmus" remained more popular with the people, it was even played at the investiture of Queen Wilhelmina in 1898. A possible explanation for the unpopularness of "Wien Neerlands Bloed" could be the percieved exclusiveness of the lyrics.

Two somewhat different versions of the anthem existed, from 1815 to 1898 the original lyrics were used, as the lyrics referred to a male head of state (a king). This necessitated a change upon Wilhelmina's investiture as queen; also, as mentioned above, the controversial nature of the lyrics was also an issue with Wilhelmina, so the lyrics were slightly changed in that regard, as well as the alteration of the text to reflect a female monarch.

The anthem was officially replaced with "Wilhelmus" May 10, 1932.

Special thanks to: Joris Voskuilen for some of this information .

See also: Netherlands.