Veenkoloniën
Veenkoloniën refers to a region in the northeastern Netherlands, primarily within the provinces of Groningen and Drenthe, characterized by its extensive peat reclamation and development. Historically, this area was a vast expanse of raised bog, a landscape that presented significant challenges for settlement and agriculture. The transformation of this peatland into a cultivable area began in earnest in the 17th century.
The Veenkoloniën were developed through a systematic process of peat cutting and drainage. Large canals, such
The social and economic structure of the Veenkoloniën developed around this peat industry and subsequent agriculture.
Over time, the peat reserves were depleted, and the region's economy shifted further towards intensive agriculture.