The Dutch Commercial Republic
The 7 northern provinces of the Netherlands became Europe’s leading commercial power in the first half of the 17th century The Dutch made efficient use of their resources After 1580, the Dutch moved into Portuguese markets in the East Indies and South America
The Dutch set themselves up as the “middlemen of Europe” Amsterdam served as important city Merchants played a key role in the Netherlands The Netherlands practiced religious toleration, attracting refugees from other countries
Dutch Golden Age 1550-1650 marked the Dutch Golden Age Outpouring of cultural activity focused on the themes of middle-class domestic life, nature and science
Painters Jan Vermeer Judith Leyster Frans Hals Rembrandt Occupied with light and shadow, natural landscapes, still life, domestic scenes and group portraits
Internal and External Strife Disagreement over predestination caused conflict within the Dutch Reformed Church Loose federation of 7 provinces (tightly guarded their liberties) Elected William of Orange as the hereditary stadholder of the Netherlands