Dutch Coal Mining in the Papers: a 20th century comparative media study

Abstract

This thesis conducts a comparative media analysis, using the Telegraaf and Limburgsch Dagblad, of the Dutch coal mines during the twentieth century. This analysis focuses on three events: the opening of the mine Maurits in 1926, the oil-crises of the seventies, and the silver jubilee in 1990. The analysis focuses on the identity and import of the mines on a national and regional level. While all of the Netherlands was initially intent on creating a shared industrial identity during the early twentieth century, this quickly fell out of favor when the industry was no longer the main focus of the Dutch economy. Meanwhile, Limburg had changed into a mono-economy, with industry and coal mining serving a central role. The province thus incorporated these aspects in its regional identity. The Telegraaf continued to publish less on coal and the mines as the Dutch identity changed. The Netherlands forgot about what coal mining had meant for the country and destroyed most of the physical heritage. The closure left Limburg with an enormous trauma which influenced a victimized identity. For the Netherlands it was easier to let go of the industrial heritage as the country at large had not solely relied on it like its province Limburg. For Limburg the identity became so intertwined with the regional identity that the shock of the closure still resonates to this day.