I am interested in the history of the Netherlands and how the various groups

Hello,

You can check this site for a good description of Dutch History:

http://www.minbuza.nl/history/en/home

Some excerpts:

"
1588
The Republic of the United Provinces
A huge Spanish fleet - the Armada - is sunk in the waters round the British Isles. Maurice, son of the assassinated William of Orange, forces the Spanish onto the defensive and captures a series of towns from them. In the Republic of the United Provinces, a unique political system is created, controlled by the leading figure of the day, Grand Pensionary Johan van Oldenbarnevelt.
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VOC
1602
United East India Company
The United East India Company (VOC) is set up on the initiative of Johan van Oldenbarnevelt. In the course of the next century it is destined to become the most successful commercial undertaking in the world.
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Night Watch
1600 1700
The Golden Age
The Golden Age is the key period in Dutch history. The newly-formed North Sea mini-state, at once old-fashioned and hyper-modern, experiences a period of unprecedented economic, cultural and scientific development. The religious freedom of the Republic attracts many immigrants fleeing religious persecution elsewhere in Europe. Amsterdam becomes a magnet for writers and scholars unable to publish in their own countries.
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Frederik Hendrik
1609 1621
The Twelve Years' Truce
Twelve Years' Truce between Spain and the Republic. After it expires, Frederick Henry, son of William of Orange and Louise de Coligny, achieves considerable military success against Spain
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Treaty of Münster
1648
The Treaty of Münster
Spain and the Republic conclude the Treaty of Münster, part of the Peace of Westphalia, under which Spain and the Holy Roman Empire recognise the Republic as a free and sovereign state. This puts an end to 80 years of war. The Republic assumes an important role on the European political stage.
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Michiel de Ruyter
1672
Year of Disasters
France, Britain and the bishoprics of Cologne and Münster declared war on the Dutch Republic. William III was appointed Stadholder. Grand Pensionary Johan de Witt was murdered by the people of The Hague. At sea, Michiel de Ruyter achieved notable victories against the combined French and English navies.
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William III
1688
The Glorious Revolution
Stadholder William III gives Protestant England military assistance in deposing the Catholic father of his wife, Mary Stuart. In 1689 William and Mary are crowned joint monarchs in London.

The War of the Spanish Succession
1702 1713
The War of the Spanish Succession
William III plays a major role in political opposition to Louis XIV. The Republic becomes involved in the War of the Spanish Succession. The negotiations over the Peace of Utrecht reveal that the Republic has lost its standing as a great European power. William III dies following a riding accident and a second Stadholderless period begins.


Stadholder William IV
1747
Stadholder William IV
In 1747, following the second Stadholderless period, William IV comes to power. Four years later he is succeeded by his son, William V. Neither is of much political significance to the Republic.

The Patriot Movement
1781
The Patriot Movement
In France, the writings of Rousseau and Voltaire usher in the Enlightenment. In the Netherlands the Patriots advocate the modernisation and democratisation of the mouldering Republic. They clash with the supporters of the House of Orange.
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The Batavian Republic
1793
The Batavian Republic
In 1793, revolutionary France declares war on the Republic, and two years later occupies the Netherlands. The Patriots proclaim the Batavian Republic and abolish the institutions of the ancien régime. The Republic becomes a unitary state with a modern constitution
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The Napoleonic era
1806 1810
The Napoleonic era
Napoleon's brother, Louis Napoleon, is sent to reign over the 'Kingdom of Holland'. He attempts to pursue an independent course. But in 1810 Napoleon annexes the Kingdom of Holland to France.

"

Hello I donot have much information on this topic. Here too we have people whose forefathers came from distant lands, settled, adopted another religion. Some got married and became local in the long run. It is so good that you have started such a nice discussion. I shall come back and check the responses for the informations. Cheers friend.