Confidence in a peaceful future was not a uniquely Dutch problem in the 1920s and 1930s. Opponents of defence spending believed they knew what was coming and were doing the right thing. In this interpretation, they would have voted differently had they foreseen the war and the suffering they would experience themselves. Protecting a nation's way of life and culture requires the means to defend its sovereignty and territory. A low perceived threat today gives no certainty about tomorrow. Reducing forces to nothing leaves no capacity to defend the country if that expectation fails.
Notable Point · 33:05-34:22
Sincere expectations of peace and the means to defend sovereignty
Opponents sincerely expected peace, yet defending sovereignty still required forces in case their assumptions failed.