Coming out of the horrible religious wars in the 16th century was the Dutch Republic. Unlike most of Europe the Dutch republic had no autocrat or dictator, it was one of the few republics in Europe at its time and for the most part it was controlled by the wealthy and educated middle class of its 7 different provinces. It became the most successful trade nation of its time, with an unrivalled trading fleet and many monopolies on popular wares. The frugality in which the Dutch conducted themselves dictated their lifestyle and allowed them to focus on success rather than personal pleasures. Differing from its neighboring countries in many aspects, the Dutch rose from a newly created republic to the most influential and successful nation in 17th century because of their powerhouse economy, their unique system of Government and a mentality which allowed them to get the job done and done the best.
In the 17th century the Dutch economy and was booming in trade and agriculture. They had around 10000 trade ships trading in goods from all around the World and they were exploring the limits of the known World. At home the Dutch had created a centralized Bank whose currency, the florin, became the World standard of value much like the Dollar is today. Moreover they had developed their agriculture to specialize in dairy and tulips which they exported regularly. Amsterdam was the trade center of the known World; this made the Dutch economically exceptional in success among the rest of its European neighbors.
The Dutch system of Government itself was unique and different for its time. Republics were few and far between in Europe, most nations being controlled by autocratic ruling families. The Dutch however had a system nothing like this. The original republic consisted of 7 provinces each controlled mainly by elected middle class leaders. These leaders were usually successful merchants or bankers and they represented their province at the assembly in the un-official capital of the republic Hague. This system of Government allowed for a nation that did not focus so much on political intrigue with foreign countries and War but prioritized the accumulation of wealth and power for the Dutch republic. The countries government also allowed general religious freedom among its inhabitants so Jews and other minority groups congregated in the Dutch provinces. Because of this the republic became culturally enriched and new ideas flowed through its people. The Dutch government was the most successful of it’s time because it focused on accumulating wealth and it did not prosecute peoples for their religion which made the country diverse.
The frugality and work ethic of the Dutch people was something to marvel at during the 17th century. The people tried not to live in excess as they considered that only worthy of their French counterparts who they disliked and the Calvinist religion which became followed by the majority of the population forbid living in excess. One British ambassador by the name of William Temple wrote, “The merchants and tradesmen are of mighty industry. Never any country traded so much and consumed so little. They buy infinitely, but 'tis to sell again.” The Dutch work ethic was very strong as well. The typical Dutchman was ambitious and hardworking and strived for success. This mentality gave rise to a dominant middle class of smart and wealthy men. The Dutch people’s mentality allowed them to have the most successful middle class in Europe.
The Dutch influence and success peaked in the 17th century and later declined because they did not have sufficient military forces to consolidate their holdings worldwide. However, in the 17th century the Dutch were the most successful. Not because they had a huge military or because they could intimidate other countries into doing their will like other powerful nations at the time but because of the average Dutch middle class man who was the foundation of Dutch success.
Works Cited:
Doenecke, Justus D. "The Dutch Republic in the 17th Century." Website Moved. Web. 13 Dec. 2010.
"Differing from its neighboring countries in many aspects, the Dutch rose from a newly created republic to the most influential and successful nation in 17th century because of their powerhouse economy, their unique system of Government and a mentality which allowed them to get the job done and done the best."
ReplyDeleteHmm. If the Dutch were the "most influential", what then of Louis XIV? Be careful about generalizing like this. Rather, focus on why being a republic led to a different outcome than being a monarchy.