AC - The Dutch Golden Age (Lesson)

The Dutch Golden Age

Prior to the 16th century, the Seven Provinces (today’s Netherlands) belonged to Spain. They gained their independence after the Peace of Westphalia ended the Eighty Year’s War and they were declared as an independent country by Spain. While the southern part of Antwerp fell in the war, the Protestants who lived there were given four years to relocate. Many of them moved north to present day Amsterdam. This population was skilled in different crafts and helped Amsterdam grow into a major center of trade and culture. Some of the reasons for the Dutch Golden Age:

Business

• Dominant in World Trade in the 17th century.
• First multinational corporation (Dutch East India Company).
• Monopoly on trade with Japan.
• Stockpiled goods during good times and sold for a profit when others had shortages.
• Profited from the slave trade.

 

Culture

• Extravagant and tasty meals due to spices and exotic foods gleaned from trading.
• Art that is focused on non-religious subjects including still-life, landscapes, and large group portraits.
• Sculpture was not as prominent in this period.

 

Architecture

• Very ornate at the height of the Golden Age but became less so as the Age progressed.

 

Literature

• Tolerant.
• High Literacy Rate.
• Many books and pamphlets.

The Dutch were extremely powerful and culturally sophisticated throughout the 17th century. They were a great European power but as the power of English trade grew, the influence of the Dutch waned. By the second decade of the 18th century, the Dutch had essentially faded as a European trading power.

 

 

---

 

In your notes, respond to the following questions.

• What helped lead to the Dutch Golden Age?
• Why do you think it did not last?

 

[CC BY 4.0] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION