Johan Rudolf Thorbecke, Netherlands (1798-1872)
Leading Dutch political figure of the mid-19th century. As Prime Minister (1849-53, 1862-66, 1871-72), he consolidated the parliamentary system created by the constitution of 1848. Thorbecke was the chief author of the constitution of 1848, which transformed The Netherlands from a monarchy in which an authoritarian King ruled with a parliament of limited powers to a constitutional monarchy in which Parliament controlled both legislation and executive powers.
Thorbecke himself became Prime Minister in 1849 and head of the Liberal Party. He strengthened the constitution by encouraging measures that extended the franchise and provided for the direct election of provincial and municipal governments. Thorbecke abolished slavery in the Dutch East Indian colonies.