Editing Gelderland (section)

== History ==

The historical roots of Gelderland are connected to the medieval county and later duchy of Gelre. The territory developed around castles, river routes, noble authority, and market towns. During the Middle Ages, control over the Rhine, Waal, IJssel, and surrounding land routes made the region important for trade, military movement, and territorial politics.

In the early modern period, the region became part of the wider political development of the Low Countries. It joined the Dutch Revolt against Spanish authority and later formed part of the Dutch Republic. In 1815, Gelderland became a province of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

During the twentieth century, Gelderland was affected by war, reconstruction, urban growth, industrial development, and changes in transport infrastructure. Arnhem and the surrounding area became especially significant during the [[Second World War]] because of the [[Battle of Arnhem]] in September 1944. The wartime events around Arnhem also formed the background to the later creation of [[Vriendendam]].