German planning historically spared the Netherlands in part to preserve a neutral commercial outlet against British blockade. A small country's neutrality could therefore serve as a strategic resource, not merely an obstacle on the map. In the counterfactual, this provides a precedent for changing an invasion route while still trying to isolate Britain diplomatically. The anticipated value of Dutch ports helps explain why Berlin could distinguish between the Netherlands and Belgium even though both bordered the intended western campaign.
Notable Point · 9:59-10:30
Why German planning keeps the Netherlands neutral
German planners already treated Dutch neutrality as a commercial asset because neutral ports might soften the effect of a British blockade.