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Spain ruled from 1516 when Charles V became HRESpain ruled from 1516 when Charles V became HREThe United Provinces still recognized Spanish rule, The United Provinces still recognized Spanish rule,
but, in 1581, they declared their independence.but, in 1581, they declared their independence.
REGENTS- Provincial level
- Held virtually all the power
- Strong advocates of local independence
STADHOLDER-Chief officials
-Dominated by the princes of the House of Orange
-Could not declare war, just legislate
STATES GENERAL- Federal legislative body of delegates from 7 provinces
- Nobles received automatic representation
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•Government was republican confederation
•Run by wealthy merchants & financiers
•Strong middle class values
•Union of provinces
Amsterdam was the world’s leading port Amsterdam was the world’s leading port
& commercial center& commercial center
15,000 vessels 15,000 vessels –– 5x the English fleet5x the English fleet
Spices, pepper, silks, & cottons were Spices, pepper, silks, & cottons were
imported from the East Indies while imported from the East Indies while
participating in the triangular trade participating in the triangular trade
with Africa & Brazilwith Africa & Brazil
Amsterdam’s banking, credit & Amsterdam’s banking, credit &
warehousing facilities were unmatchedwarehousing facilities were unmatched
Not much inflation.Not much inflation.
•• 1602 1602 –– A group of private investor began A group of private investor began the Dutch East India Companythe Dutch East India Company
•• Dutch Dutch East India Company East India Company –– government government monopoly for all trade in Asiamonopoly for all trade in Asia–– Empowered to make war/treaties, seize Empowered to make war/treaties, seize foreign ships, establish colonies & coin foreign ships, establish colonies & coin money!money!
•• When the spice trade declined, they relied When the spice trade declined, they relied on fees charged for transporting products on fees charged for transporting products from one Asian place to another. They from one Asian place to another. They also bought Asian products and sold them also bought Asian products and sold them within the system. within the system.
•• Rival: The English Rival: The English
Jewish refugees helped found it in 1602.Jewish refugees helped found it in 1602.
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Great Dutch land reclamation project Great Dutch land reclamation project
was accelerated during this time.was accelerated during this time.
Expanded agriculture production in Expanded agriculture production in
first half of the 17first half of the 17thth centurycentury
Agriculture surplus was invested in Agriculture surplus was invested in
commerce & manufacturingcommerce & manufacturing
Increased amount of food = Increased amount of food =
increased populationincreased population
Most densely populated countryMost densely populated country
Aerial View of the Northwest Polder Aerial View of the Northwest Polder
Just Before Habitation Just Before Habitation
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Generally higher salaries than in any other Generally higher salaries than in any other
parts of W. Europe.parts of W. Europe.
�� Even women had higher wages.Even women had higher wages.
Had the highest standard of living in Had the highest standard of living in
Europe!Europe!
Real wages roseReal wages rose
More varied diet More varied diet –– more meat, cheese & fish more meat, cheese & fish
than elsewhere in Europethan elsewhere in Europe
Coffee, tea, cocoa, ginger & spices?Coffee, tea, cocoa, ginger & spices?
Haven of religious tolerationHaven of religious toleration
60,000 Huguenots fled to Dutch Republic to 60,000 Huguenots fled to Dutch Republic to
escape persecution in Franceescape persecution in France
The Dutch Reformed Church was a The Dutch Reformed Church was a
Calvinist religionCalvinist religion
First built in 1300.First built in 1300.
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By 1645, it was the By 1645, it was the
largest university in the largest university in the
Protestant world.Protestant world.
The separation of the The separation of the
strong provinces strong provinces
hindered the power of hindered the power of
any church to control any church to control
intellectual life in the intellectual life in the
Dutch Republic!Dutch Republic!
Along with Leiden, Along with Leiden,
they were the first they were the first
international international
universities.universities.
Half of the students Half of the students
were foreigners.were foreigners.
1717thth century painting reflected wealthcentury painting reflected wealth
Dutch press enjoyed freedomDutch press enjoyed freedom
First newspapers printed in Amsterdam First newspapers printed in Amsterdam
–– NOT London or ParisNOT London or Paris
Dutch painting relied on patronage of Dutch painting relied on patronage of
wealthy Amsterdam merchantswealthy Amsterdam merchants
Picturesque urban & rural scenesPicturesque urban & rural scenes
RembrandtRembrandt
Everyday lifeEveryday life
Jacob van Ruisdael, Jan Vermeer, Jacob van Ruisdael, Jan Vermeer, FransFrans
Hals, Jan SteenHals, Jan Steen
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“Genre” Painting“Genre” Painting “Genre” Painting“Genre” Painting
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Wars with England in defense of its Wars with England in defense of its
commercial interests drained the economycommercial interests drained the economy
1667 1667 –– Louis XIV imposed high tariffs on Louis XIV imposed high tariffs on
Dutch imports to FranceDutch imports to France
1672 1672 –– Louis XIV invaded the Dutch Louis XIV invaded the Dutch
RepublicRepublic
The textile industry failed to keep pace with The textile industry failed to keep pace with
EnglandEngland
Some Dutch entrepreneurs chose to invest Some Dutch entrepreneurs chose to invest
in England rather than the in England rather than the Dutch RepublicDutch Republic
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