Development of regional variety in the Netherlands

This study focuses on regional patterns in stature in the Dutch society during the 19th century and early 20th century (1830-1913). To test regional patterns and transitions we use the HSN Database Giants. Results confirm that in the
first period (1830-1860) differences in the biological standard of living were substantial. The less market-oriented inland provinces had the highest level. This is line with the Komlos-these. The modernization of Dutch economy in the
second half of the 19th-century was accompanied by a substantial increase in average height and a reversal of the spatial pattern. Nevertheless, regional differences stayed substantial and there was no pattern of convergence. At
first, conscripts from the market-oriented coastal provinces took over the lead from the inland provinces. We tested for an urban premium for the last period (1890-1913). This was confirmed, although it did not manifest itself in cities
like Amsterdam and Rotterdam.