He donated it to the Dutch state in 1859.

The Dutch state supported the process - with a loan of 570million guilders.

According to the ruling, the Dutch state is not obliged to tolerate such actions.

The taxation system thereby underpinned the federal structure of the Dutch state.

The Dutch state owns 50% of the company, while the remainder is owned by the municipalities and provinces.

He fought a long law suit (1991-2000) against the Dutch state, which he eventually won.

"Bangs does not cost the Dutch state a single penny," the paper said.

Disgruntled with the lack of action by the Dutch state another strike was called for, this time to be held in Amsterdam.

Hence, he justified the annexation using arguments like increased power and greater security for the Dutch state.

Yet a similar ambiguity affects the Dutch state to this day.