Johan Rudolf Thorbecke

As a member of parliament, in 1840 he joined with the Liberals and was one of a number of politicians advocating a revision of the Constitution of the Netherlands. The lower house of parliament was not receptive to his plans, however. Some of his opponents feared that amending the Constitution would undermine the stability that had been achieved, while others believed it was up to the king alone to initiate any changes. That is precisely what happened in 1848. Europe was in turmoil and several monarchs had already been toppled. William II of the Netherlands was fearing for his position, too, and asked Thorbecke to propose changes to the Constitution. Just ten days later Thorbecke presented the new Constitution of the Netherlands, which increased the powers of parliament and reduced the powers of the king.