Johan Rudolph Thorbecke (1798-1872) was a prominent Dutch politician and statesman known for his significant role in shaping modern Dutch governance. He served as Prime Minister of the Netherlands multiple times during the mid-19th century. Thorbecke is best remembered for his constitutional reforms in 1848, which transformed the Netherlands from an absolute monarchy into a constitutional monarchy, enhancing the power of the parliament and establishing civil rights. His efforts laid the foundation for Dutch democracy and modern political structure. A notable advocate for liberalism, Thorbecke’s legacy endures in Dutch politics and law, influencing subsequent generations.
