One person standing, as it were, at the focal point of these political and economic developments was General J.B. van Heutsz (1851-1924). He subdued Atjeh and later became Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, a position he held from 1904 to 1909. The soldiers were devoted to this old war-horse. As Governor-General he pursued an austerity policy, although measures of a clearly ethical nature were taken during his term of office. Trade and industry expanded rapidly under the rule of this no-nonsense personality.

The digital lesson that accompanies this collection is devoted entirely to Van Heutsz and the imperialism of the time, in all its oppressive and ethical aspects.