1. The Dutch Commercial Republic

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Painters Jan Vermeer Judith Leyster Frans Hals Rembrandt
Occupied with light and shadow, natural landscapes, still life, domestic scenes and group portraits

6. 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