In the middle of the nineteenth century, the Netherlands is undergoing a major overhaul. Far-reaching political, economic and social innovations lay the foundations for the modern country as we know it today, with constitution, parliamentary democracy, bridges, tracks, roads and canals. Amsterdam and Rotterdam are developing rapidly and industries with modern steam engines are emerging all over the country. Overseas trade is flourishing and at the end of the century Dutch scientists will return home with five Nobel prizes. In 13 episodes of 45 minutes, presenter Hans Goedkoop takes you into the turbulent nineteenth century. Each episode focuses on a historical figure: Forerunners and self-employed people who dared more than others and who let themselves be discouraged by little.