Categorisation. Classification. Confiscation. Dealing with enemy citizens in the Netherlands in the aftermath of World War II (1944-1967)

Anticipating the end of Second World War, Dutch government in exile classed all civilians with German nationality as enemy citizens. Tens thousands nationals who resided and worked Kingdom Netherlands were stripped their assets, regardless political allegiance or place residence, without any compensation. Some arrested, imprisoned expelled; others left own accord. Many appealed against status citizens, hope clearing names regaining property. This article discusses categorization classification enemies state, examines how politics citizenship triggered policies exclusion, but also informed inclusion. Whilst determined a civilian’s enmity, seemingly homogeneous national identity constituted criteria for so-called ‘de-enemization’ (ontvijanding). judged on wartime post-war behaviour, had to prove that they behaved like ‘good citizens’. In addition, ethnicity, class gender used parameters judge nationals. As case studies this illustrate, categorized by citizens unjustly affected (former) citizenship.