Tijd voor Geschiedenis

As rich as a king
5.1. As rich as a king (historical view)

Source 1 - The symbol of the age of regents and

princes
The symbol of the age of regents and princes. A crown
like the ones European monarchs wore can be seen in
front of the canal houses of Amsterdam.
Click on the image to enlarge.
Source 2 - The Spanish fury in Antwerp
The famous city hall of Antwerp going up in flames.
Spanish soldiers can be seen shooting the citizens of
Antwerp.
Drawing done by Frans Hogenberg in 1576. It can
currently be found in the Rijksmuseum of Amsterdam.
Click on the image to enlarge.

Source 3 - A head merchant of the Dutch East India

Company in Batavia
A painting of a head merchant of the Dutch East India
Company in Batavia, painted by Aelbert Cuyp in ca.
1640 - 1660.
This painting can be found in the Rijksmuseum of
Amsterdam.
Click on the image to enlarge. Now use the cursor to
find out more.
5.1.1 From rebels to riches
In the previous chapter you were introduced to the Dutch Republic. In 1584 this area has only been rebelling
against Spain for a few years. When the Republic is recognized by Spain in 1648 it has developed from a small,
rebel area to a big and powerful country. The economic and cultural growth is enormous! The Republics influence
doesn't stop at the borders of the country. The Republic has many colonies in the East and the West. These
colonies are often bigger than the Republic itself! The trade industry in the Republic picks up and the tiny nations
wealth keeps on growing. This has enormous consequences for art and science. The republic is surrounded by
kingdoms with powerful monarchs. These countries try and steal away the riches and the power that this little,
unique country has!

What happened to the Republic after it was founded? How has is become so wealthy? Which consequences does
the wealth of the country have for its citizens? What about the rest of Europe and what is the Republics
relationship with them like? All these questions, and many more, shall be answered in the next few paragraphs.
But to be able to answer them all we will have to look back to 1648.

1585 The fall of The Spanish army is able to conquer Antwerp

Antwerp after a long siege. We call this fight the fall of
Antwerp. Before this Antwerp was an the largest
Dutch trade city. Because it fell Amsterdam would
become the biggest Dutch trade city.

1588 The The seven most northern provinces in the

founding of Netherlands decide to become one republic.
the Dutch From now on they are a country without a
Republic. monarch.

1602 The In 1602 the East India Company is founded. The

founding of founders hope to stimulate cooperation within
the Dutch the spice trade industry . Shown here is a picture
East India of the East India Company.
Company

1606 The After the East India Company decides to sell

founding of shares of their company the Amsterdam stock
the exchange is founded. Soon after many other
Amsterdam companies follow in this example. Because of this
Stock a special building was built in 1608 to
Exchange accommodate the stock exchange.
1609 The Many countries and cities have their own
founding of currency. People can exchange their own
the Bank of currency for the Florentine Florin
Amsterdam

1621 The The West India Company is founded in 1621. It is

founding of the younger sister of the East India Company. This
the Dutch company focuses on trade in middel and south
West India America.
Company

1628 The A silver fleet sailing from spain is robben by the

robbing of West India Company in 1628. This robbery is a
the silver good source of income for the Republic.
fleet

1628- The work The French philosopher Descartes stays in the

1649 of René Republic for 20 years. He feels comfortable there
Descartes because of how tolerant the Republic is.
in the
Republic

1629- Christiaan Thanks to Christiaan Huygens a lot of discoveries

1695 Huygens are made in the Republic. His work is extremely
important to the scientific field in that time. One
of them is the pendulum clock.

1648 Peace of The Dutch revolt ends in the Peace of Münster.

Münster
1661- The rule of Louis XIV is otherwise known as the 'Sun King'. He
1715 Louis XIV was given this name because he is at the centre of
his kingdom. He has absolute power over his
people.

1672 The year of In Dutch history 1672 is known as the year of

disasters disasters. This is because the Republic was
simultaniously attacked by the French, the British
and the Germans. Grand pensionary Johan de
Witt was blamed for the attacks and was
murdered by a crowd of angry people.

1685 The Being a protestant in France is forbidden in 1685

revoking of Many protestants flee to the Republic.
the Edict of
Nantes
 Revision

Fill-in summary
Click here to make a Gap-fill summary of this paragraph.

The Dutch East and West India Companies

Without both of these companies there wouldn't have been a Golden Age. Watch these videos for more
information: Watch another funny episode of Crash Course Historyhere (15.40 min.) This video gives an
indepth viewing of paintings from the Golden Age. (13.23 min.) Listen to music from the Golden Age here.
(13.06

Extra

Geef mij maar Amsterdam

Amsterdam has been the subject of many a song in history. Here are a few for the ages. Johnny Jordaan,
1956: Geef mij maar Amsterdam (3.27 min.)
Tante Leen: Aan de Amsterdamse grachten (2.25 min.)
Drukwerk, 1983: Hé Amsterdam (4.15 min.)
Katzenjammer, 2008, A bar in Amsterdam (4 min.)

And one last contribution by another foreign band. Daughter, 2013 Amsterdam (3.19 min.)

5.1. As rich as a king (topical view)

Source 1 - The symbol of the age of regents and

princes
The symbol of the age of regents and princes. A crown
like the ones European monarchs wore can be seen in
front of the canal houses of Amsterdam.
Click on the image to enlarge.
Source 2 - A head merchant of the Dutch East India
Company in Batavia
A painting of a head merchant of the Dutch East India
Company in Batavia, painted by Aelbert Cuyp in ca.
1640 - 1660.
This painting can be found in the Rijksmuseum of
Amsterdam.
Click on the image to enlarge. Now use the cursor to
find out more.

Source 3 - Floraes Gecks-kap (Bloemen Narrenkap)

An etch of the tulip mania by Pieter Nolpe (ca. 1613 -
1653).
To: database of the Northern Holland Archives.
Click on the image to enlarge. Now use the cursor to
find out more.
5.1.1 The first economic bubble
In the previous chapter you were introduced to the Dutch Republic. In 1584 this area has only been rebelling
against Spain for a few years. When the Republic is recognized by Spain in 1648 it has developed from a small,
rebel area to a big and powerful country. The economic and cultural growth is enormous! One of its specialities is
the trade in luxury products. A lot of money is made in this field. Delftware, oil painting and 'Dutch' tulips are just a
few examples of luxury items produced in the Republic.

In 1630 a tulip mania started in the Republic. Special types of tulips are worth their weight in gold and merchants
start investing in special tulip bulbs before they have even started to bloom. An example if this are the black tulips.
Merchants invested heavily in a specific bulb as they were promised that the bulbs would bloom as black tulips.
But this ends in tears as black tulips can't even be cultivated. The tulip mania stops as suddenly as it started. The
market collapses and many merchants are stuck with their expensive bulbs and no one to buy them...

Economic hypes are still a thing today. A recent example is the internet bubble in 2000. Because everybody
expected the internet and small tech companies to bring about a lot of revenue a lot of money was invested in
shares of internet companies. Nobody wanted to be left out and everyone keeps buying in the hopes of gaining
money quickly. But suddenly all trade stops... A worldwide crises follows this hype. In this chapter we'll be
focussing on the economic and cultural development of the Republic and the relationships with Europe.

1585 The fall of The Spanish army is able to conquer Antwerp

Antwerp after a long siege. We call this fight the fall of
Antwerp. Before this Antwerp was an the largest
Dutch trade city. Because it fell Amsterdam would
become the biggest Dutch trade city.

1588 The The seven most northern provinces in the

founding of Netherlands decide to become one republic.
the Dutch From now on they are a country without a
Republic. monarch.

1602 The In 1602 the East India Company is founded. The

founding of founders hope to stimulate cooperation within
the Dutch the spice trade industry . Shown here is a picture
East India of the East India Company.
Company
1606 The After the East India Company decides to sell
founding of shares of their company the Amsterdam stock
the exchange is founded. Soon after many other
Amsterdam companies follow in this example. Because of this
Stock a special building was built in 1608 to
Exchange accommodate the stock exchange.

1609 The Many countries and cities have their own

founding of currency. People can exchange their own
the Bank of currency for the Florentine Florin
Amsterdam

1621 The The West India Company is founded in 1621. It is

founding of the younger sister of the East India Company. This
the Dutch company focuses on trade in middel and south
West India America.
Company

1628 The A silver fleet sailing from spain is robben by the

robbing of West India Company in 1628. This robbery is a
the silver good source of income for the Republic.
fleet

1628- The work The French philosopher Descartes stays in the

1649 of René Republic for 20 years. He feels comfortable there
Descartes because of how tolerant the Republic is.
in the
Republic

1629- Christiaan Thanks to Christiaan Huygens a lot of discoveries

1695 Huygens are made in the Republic. His work is extremely
important to the scientific field in that time. One
of them is the pendulum clock.
1648 Peace of The Dutch revolt ends in the Peace of Münster.
Münster

1661- The rule of Louis XIV is otherwise known as the 'Sun King'. He
1715 Louis XIV was given this name because he is at the centre of
his kingdom. He has absolute power over his
people.

1672 The year of In Dutch history 1672 is known as the year of

disasters disasters. This is because the Republic was
simultaniously attacked by the French, the British
and the Germans. Grand pensionary Johan de
Witt was blamed for the attacks and was
murdered by a crowd of angry people.

1685 The Being a protestant in France is forbidden in 1685

revoking of Many protestants flee to the Republic.
the Edict of
Nantes
 Revision

Fill-in summary
Click here to make a Gap-fill summary of this paragraph.

The Dutch East and West India Companies

Without both of these companies there wouldn't have been a Golden Age. Watch these videos for more
information: Watch another funny episode of Crash Course Historyhere (15.40 min.) This video gives an
indepth viewing of paintings from the Golden Age. (13.23 min.) Listen to music from the Golden Age here.
(13.06

Extra

Geef mij maar Amsterdam

Amsterdam has been the subject of many a song in history. Here are a few for the ages. Johnny Jordaan,
1956: Geef mij maar Amsterdam (3.27 min.)
Tante Leen: Aan de Amsterdamse grachten (2.25 min.)
Drukwerk, 1983: Hé Amsterdam (4.15 min.)
Katzenjammer, 2008, A bar in Amsterdam (4 min.)

And one last contribution by another foreign band. Daughter, 2013 Amsterdam (3.19 min.)

5.2. A glorious Golden Age

5.2.1 Holland and Zeeland are successful

After the Republic has been established the Dutch economy

blooms. This is called Golden Age. Holland and Zeeland
become wealthy thanks to trade policies. But why was it
these two provinces that gained so much from the policies?

For centuries fishing is the main source of income. The soil

isn't efficient enough to cultivate corn so they import corn
from elsewhere. It is therefore that the farmers are able to
focus their attention on producing products for faraway
lands. This is why products such as milk, cheese, butter and Source 1 - The Dutch Republic
crafted treasures are produced to trade overseas. Thanks to The Republic at the start of the 17th
the trade market that begins existing in these cities more century.
and more cities come in to existence. The main focus of Image: Mario Kuijpers
these cities is trading. Click on the image to enlarge.

The open seas to the west and the rivers heading towards
the middle of Europe give the Republic a huge advantage.
After the fall of Antwerp Amsterdam becomes one of the
biggest trade cities in the world! The city becomes the new
staple city. Products are stored in the warehouses and are
sold when there is a shortage. This way the merchants can
sell the products for a higher price. In 1600 approx. 10.000
ships pass through Amsterdam each year! It is no surprise
that in 1609 the exchange bank of Amsterdam is opened. In
this bank foreign currency can be exchanged for florin. Hfl. is
a strong currency with a regular value. It can be used in the Source 2 - Warehouses at the
whole of Europe. waterside
These three warehouses belonged to
Thanks to being a staple city and the Exchange bank of the Northern Company (1614 - 1642).
Amsterdam the city flourishes. Rich citizens come from far This company is the only one with the
away to earn money. The stock exchange is the ideal place right to trade in whail-oil.
to do so. At the stock exchange market people can invest in Click on the image to enlarge.
companies. All the activities created by the trade industry
meant more jobs and more wealth for the city of
Amsterdam. This attracts more and more people to the city
and it is therefore that the city expanded in four stages
between 1568 and 1665, creating the canal district. In this
time the number of citizens of Amsterdam grows from
30.000 to 160.000!
 'Amsterdam keeps growing because of the trade
industry... Some people marvel about it, and they are
right to do say. Why is it that a tiny country like ours
has such a big influence on the trading industry? There
is nothing to the likes of it in the whole world! They
believe that there is nowhere in the world that has as
much ships going to and fro than Amsterdam. And that
whilst you couldn't find a nail to hammer a ship
together here in Amsterdam. Everything, wood, flax,
hemp, tar and even woollen clothing, corn and spices
have to be imported from far away countries. But it was
exactly that lack of products that encouraged the
residents to sail away to other places. Amsterdam gave
strangers a place to sell their produce but also helped
the city itself by having produce brought straight to
their door.'

Source 3
To: Le Moine de l'Espine, Amsterdam's trade industry
(1694).

Source 4 - The canal ring area of Amsterdam

The UNESCO article on why the canal ring was place
under its protection in 2010.
Click on the image to enlarge.

5.2.2 The Dutch East India Company

In the 16th century the Portuguese were the only people to
trade in the East Indies. Portugal is a part of Spains kingdom When the Dutch East India Company
between 1580 and 1640, and so they are the Republics was founded in 1602 the founders
enemy. To prevent Spain from profiting from the Portuguese decide that all capital would be
spice-trade and to gain wealth Holland and Zeeland travel to deposited for 10 years. After that time
the East Indies themselves to fetch spices. Several ships the money would be given back. The
leave for the East Indies to find pepper, clove and other profits, that the founders hoped to
spices. In the start they returned with only a half laden ship. gain, would be given to the
Johan van Oldenbarnevelt wants the various companies to participants. After that another
work together. Cooperating with each other would lead to deposit could be made for another 10
more we profits and together they could also be a stronger years.
weapon against Spain. When the Dutch East India
Company is founded in 1602 they receive full monopoly
over the trade in Asian waters. They also receive the
authority to wage war and sign treaties in name of the Source 5 - Shareholders
Republic. To: Centre of knowledge of Dutch East
India Company.
Voyages to the East Indies are dangerous. The ships have to
sail right past the African coast with its hostile Portuguese
forts. Storms that would last for days, or days without any
wind at all could mean trouble. Food and water could spoil
if the crew was to get stuck at sea. Crews that left for the
East Indies (=oostinjevaerders) never did know if they would
be coming back or not. The leaders of the Dutch East India
Company were investing in ships that weren't sure to return.
Because investing in these huge ships is a big risk they
decide to sell shares to investors. Shareholders who invest
in the company receive a small part of the profits. The Dutch
Source 6 - The Dutch East India
East India Company is the first company in the world to
Companies voyages
work in this manner and is therefore the first Public Limited
The Dutch East India Company didn't
Company.
only travel to Indonesian archipelagos
Batavia on the island of Java is the most important (=group of islands), but also travelled
settlement of the Dutch East India Company. But the to other trading posts in Asia.
company also has settlements and trading posts in South- Click on the image to enlarge.
Africa, India and China. The Dutch East India Company
becomes one of the most powerful organisations. To stay
this powerful the Dutch East India Company wants to
control the areas where they trade. Jan Pieterszoon Coen, a
leader of the Dutch East India Company uses violence to
become chief of the whole Indonesian island region. In 1617
Jan Pieterszoon Coen becomes viceroy and commanding
officer of Batavia. From then on the islands are called the
Dutch East Indies.
 Year Expenses Income

1620- 33.800.000 46.700.000

1640

1640- 423.000.00 530.000.000

1680

1680- 907.300.000 960.200.000

1730

1730- 1.272.900.000 1.234.300.000

1780

1780- 187.100.000 111.200.000

1790

Source 7 - Income and expenses of the Dutch East

India Company
Income and expenses of the Dutch East India Company.
The sums are expressed in guilders.

5.2.3 The Dutch West India Company

Once the Republic has found its footing in the East it moves
on to the West. But in North- and South-America Spain and
Portugal are in charge. The Republic wants to disturb the
countries monopoly. To do so they found a new company in
1621: The Dutch West India Company (=WIC).

The Dutch West India Company is a Multinational just like

the Dutch East India Company. They alsohave a monopoly.
The Dutch West India Companies monopoly applies to the
West African coast and North- and South-America. The Source 8 - Triangel voyage
Dutch West India Company also receives the authority to Triangel voyage: from Europe to
wage war and sign treaties in name of the Republic. One of Africa, from Africa to America and
the Dutch West India Companies main goal is freebooting. from America to Europe.
The Republic hopes to pester Spain by giving the company Click on the image to enlarge.
the rights to freeboot. An extra bonus is the treasures the
company, and thus the Republic, gains from hijacking the
Spanish ships. One of the Dutch West India Companies
biggest exploits is the hijacking of a complete Spanish silver
fleet by Piet Hein The loot is huge and the Republic is able
to use it to pay for the war again Spain for a full year.
The Dutch West India Company trades other products than
the Dutch East India Company. They trade in gold and silver,
but also join in with the triangel voyage between Europe,
America and Africa. The Dutch West India Company gets in
trouble in 1674 they aim their full attention to the lucrative
slave-trade. Slaves are bought from local slave traders in
West-Africa. Next the slaves are sold to plantation owners in
America. Finally the Dutch West India Companies ships sail
the plantation products to Europe, ending the cycle.
Source 9 - Song: De Zilvervloot
In the meantime the leaders of the Dutch West India An excerpt from a Dutch song about
Company have moved into the canal district. Slave traders Piet Hein and the Zilvervloot. (1.46
and plantation owners now live there too. Traces can still be min.)
seen nowadays of the residents of several houses. A façade Click on the image to start the song.
often gives away who used to live there. One if the chairmen
of the Dutch West India Company, Godin, used to live in
what is now the official residence of the mayor. Herengracht
502 is the address for this posh seventeenth century "If one considers that a large number
building. Goding is responsible for the slave trade in the of useful people are kept alive by the
Republic. The slaves are sold at the slave-market in Curaçao slave trade; That slaves have a much
on the Antilles. Our history with human trafficking is better life in our American countries
something white people have only been acknowledging the than in their country of origin; That it
past few year. Nowadays we consider these horrible actions is beneficial for Negros that their
a black page in our countries history. Since 2002 we criminals be carried away forever by
commemorate these actions at the National Slavery this trade; And if you think about the
monument. benefits of our American populations,
where the negroes appear to be much
more appropriate for agriculture than
the whites or Indians, one has to
admit that the benefit of slave trade is
for both the Negro and the Slaves, for
the merchants in general and for the
publications in particular, far from
exceeding all objections that could be
argued.”

Source 10 - Slavery
Free translation from the book
'Necessary lessons for the slave
traders from the ship's doctor,
Gallandat (1769).
Source 11 - Transporting slaves to the colonies
A French portrait of slaves being transported.
The original painting can be found in the Musée
d'Histoire de la Ville et du Pays Malouin in Saint Malo.
Click on the image to enlarge. Now use the cursor to
find out more.

Source 12 - Slave ship Brookes

The plan of the slave ship Brookes. The ship was built in
1781. It sailed between Liverpool, West-Africa and
Kingston (Jamaica).
An image from the book: Abolition of the slave-trade
van Th. Clarkson from 1808.
Click on the image to enlarge. Now use the cursor to
find out more .

Source 13 - Slave manacles

A drawing done by Jean Boudroit, Traite et Navire
Négriere l'Aurore, 1784.
Click on the image to enlarge. Now use the cursor to
find out more .
 Revision

Fill-in summary
Click here to make a gap-fill summary of this paragraph.

Looking into the history of the Dutch slave trade

Watch this video for more information on the Dutch slave trade.(4.44)

The Dutch overseas adventures and its art

The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has quite a few pieces of art belonging in the time of this chapter. Look at
these pages for more information The route to the Indies. Trade with the East: Dutch East India Company
Trade with the West: Dutch West India Company

The city hall of Amsterdam

Watch this video filled with images of the old and the new city hall. Watch how the city hall expands over
time. ( 4.05 min.)

Extra

The following links are in Dutch

Whas your ancestor and Indiaman?

Use this website to find out.

Remembering Piet Hein

The hijacking of the Spanish silver fleet in 1628 was an important moment in the Dutch Revolt. Watch this
video from 1927 of images from the Polygoonjournaal. (0.53 min.)

Listen to this, the Rhapsody of Piet Hein from the 1900 played by Peter van ANrooijs symphonic orchestra.
(9.35 min.) Does it ring a bell?

Would you like to know what Hoorn looked like in 1650? Then watch this video (2.36 min.) This virtual reality
experience makes it possible to walk through Hoorn in 1650.

5.3. A golden life

5.3.1 The Golden Age of Dutch art

The booming business and the money gained from said

business made many people in the Republic prosperous.
Money can't buy happiness, as we all know. But it can buy a
lot of other things... A merchant in the Golden Age had the
chance to earn to much money that he could spend most of
it on luxury items and still have enough to live off of. There
are also a lot of city chairmen and regents who are good at
spending money. Be it for themselves or for the city itself.

Everyone wants to show off how wealthy they are and so Source 1 - Video: Dutch paintings of
they buy expensive clothes and they have their houses the 17th century
furnished lavishly. To really show off a lot of people have A video containing information on
portraits made of their family. A painter is commissioned to Dutch paintings from the 17th
paint the family. It is a time consuming and profitable job to century. (13 min.)
do. Even simple merchants and craftsmen are able to buy Click on the image to start the video.
paintings to decorate their house. Paintings of seascapes,
still lives, sceneries or scenes taken from daily life are for
sail. Paintings of these subjects can't be found anywehere
else in Europe! There are an estimate of nine million of these
paintings made in the Golden Age and they are all made in
the Republic. Other countries focus their attention on the
church or the monarchs of a country.

At the height of the Golden Age there aren't enough good

painters to go around. The most famous painter of that time
is probably Rembrandt van Rijn . He was born into a well-to-
do family. Other famous painters from the Golden Age are
Jan Steen and Johannes Vermeer. These three painters had
similar backgrounds.

Source 2 - A storm at sea

This painting of a storm at sea was painted by Jan
Porcellis in 1630.
Click on the image to enlarge.
Source 3 - Fun on ice
This painting of people having fun at sea was painted
by Jan Josephszoon van Goyen in 1638.
Click on the image to enlarge.

Source 4 - A golden still life

This still life of a table groaning under a lot of food was
painted by Pieter Claeszoon in 1627.
Click on the image to enlarge.

Source 5 - Life sized portraits

These paintings made for Marten Soolmans and Oopjen
Coppits wedding in 1634 are the biggest portraits
Rembrandt ever painted. The husband and wife are
both from a family of regents. They paid 500 guilders
(which is the amount of money a commoner earned a
year) for these two portraits. The Netherlands and
France made a deal in 2015 to be joined owners of the
paintings (now worth 80 million euros) and to alternate
the place where the paintings are displayed every 6
months.
Click on the image to enlarge.
5.3.2 Tolerance in the Republic

The trade industry isn't only great for the Republics wealth,
it also stimulates new relationships with foreign countries.
Everybody knows where the Republic is and a lot of people
decide to come and work here. The new workers are all very
necessary, there is a lot of work to be done. But that's not
the only reason people flock to the Republic. The republic is
a tolerant country. This is something a lot of people crave.
Everyone is free to write, think and say what they want. As
long as it's not dangerous to the state. The tolerance for
different religions is very different to other countries in Source 6 - Grotius escapes
Europe. Countries surrounding the Republic most definitely Hugo de Groot (or Hugo Grotius) and
do not tolerate other religions than their own. Maurice of Orange come into conflict
about religion. Maurice believes
The French king Louis XIV for example, revokes the Edict of Grotius is rooting for the wrong side:
Nantes. Tens of thousands of Huguenots flee to the Republic Van Oldenbarnevelts side. He
because there they will be able to preach in peace. Other demands Grotius to be executed, but
religions are also tolerated in the Republic. They're the grand pensionary (the most
forbidden from preaching in public, are not allowed to work important Dutch official) decides
against it. Instead Grotius is
in the government and are often not allowed to marry
sentenced to life in prison. But Grotius
Calvinists. They live as second inferior citizens and are not
doesn't leave it at that.
persecuted, but are tolerated .
Click on the image to enlarge. Now
But it's not just the French that flee to the Republic. use the cursor to find out.
Spaniards and Portuege also flee to the Republic to find a
certain sense of peace. One of these refugees was Baruch
Spinoza's father. Spinoza would become a scientist and
philosopher. His books, about God and religion, could only
be published in a country as tolerant as the Republic. The
rest of Europe only acknowledges his writings 200 years
later! The French philosopher René Descartes is another
man who lived in the Republic in peace.

The Republic itself is filled with philosophers such as the

above. Hugo de Groot for example publishes papers on
Source 7 - Hugo's chest
international law and Christiaan Huygens, 1629 - 1695
The chest Hugo Grotius supposedly
invents the pendulum clock. Antoni van Leeuwenhoek is the escaped in. There are several
first person to actually see bacteria under his own made museums in the Netherlands that
microscope. These breakthroughs, and more, gave shape to claim to own the chest he escaped in.
the start of the scientific revolution. A lot of discoveries in Deze kist staat in het Rijksmuseum te
this time were done by experimenting and observation. Amsterdam.
Click on the image to enlarge.
 The Republic is a mixed religious society. Yet Roman-
Catholics and Calvinists [...] don't often marry each
other. [..]. 'You don't have to love each other to not
want to kill each other.'

Source 8 - 'Only few mixed marriages are performed

in the Republic '
From: Historic paper, 'Only few mixed marriages are
performed in the Republic - An interview with Benjamin
Kaplan' by Sabien Onvlee.

Source 9 - Website: The biography of Christiaan

Huygens
The biography of Christiaan Huygens
Click on the image to go to the website.

5.3.3 The other side of the Golden Age

The name the Golden Age deceptive. It could make you

believe that everyone in Republic lived a wonderful life. You
would be wrong to think such a thing. In the 17th century 1600 1650
the Dutch people can be sorted into several classes. And
these classes did not all prosper and thrive. income 14 20
per day nickel nickel
The regents who governed the country were at the top of
social ladder. Straight under them were the merchants.
expenses 20 - 24 20 - 24
Next were the skilful craftsmen. Thanks to the thriving
per day nickels nickels
cultural scene painters and scientists are also high up on the
social ladder. On the second to last step the citizens and the
day loners can be found. They are people who work
themselves to the bone to earn enough money for their Source 10 - A day labourers wage
family. They can't save for a house or a company and earn The daily income and expenses of a
just enough to live from day to day. day labourer with a family of 5.
The really poor people can't be found in the cities. Not
because they don't exist, but because they don't live in the
cities, but outside of them. There isn't anything for them
there, or they've been chased away. For the ones that aren't
so lucky there are poorhouse and workhouses. Very few
people are taken care of by the church. The church doesn't
help anyone, better yet it hardly helps anyone. Women who
have lost their husbands for instance are given alms. But if
it's your own fault, if you were to commit a crime for
instance, you would not receive help. The authorities have a Source 11 - A happy family
hard time assessing who deserves help and who doesn't. 'A happy family' is a painting from Jan
Many poor people try to fool them, just to get out of poverty. Steen. It was made in 1668.
p> The painting can be found in the
Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
Click on the image to enlarge.

Source 12 - Saint Nicholas

An image of the 'Saint Nicholas feast”
painted by Jan Steen in 1665.
The painting can be found in the
Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
Click on the image to enlarge.
 Historical thinking skills

In year 1 we talked about the usefulness of sources. We learned that the first step of research is determining
the research question and to look carefully at sources.

Useful sources

There are a lot of sources filled with information about the past. An eyewitness report, a graph or a painting
are a few examples. It is important to always ask yourself which information can be seen, but also which
information cannot be seen. Which information has been omitted?

Graph

A graph usually only shows us number, but by combining it with other sources conclusions can be connected
to the numbers. Try not to just look at the numbers, but to also connect conclusions to them.

Paintings

Paintings can be extremely good sources. But you should still always ask yourself is they show a good
representation of the truth. A painter always does his best, but this doesn't mean that he didn't omit
information, or change something to make the painting look better. A painting is not an exact replica of what
happened.

Historical thinking skills/h2>

Representability

Sometimes you find a source of information. But, you could wonder if this information holds true for
everyone.

When doing historical research you always have a subject or research question. Keeping your subject or
research question is important for determining of the source is suitable. A part of the usefulness has to do
with representability.Or, the extent to which the information in the source holds true for the subject. A
painting of regents can give us information about life during the Golden Age, but it doesn't give us
information about the life of a labourer. And so also the wages of a labourer in the Dutch Republic. In short,
the source doesn't represent them. Always ask yourself 'for who does this information hold true? '

Although it's quite a difficult word, it is a very useful skill for a historian!

You'll be using this skill whilst answering questions 7b and 7c.

 Revision

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The secret church

Non-Catholics were allowed to preach in the Republic, as long as they don't do it in public. A beautiful
church was built so that Catholics could congregate after all. It was called the Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder and
is currently a museum. Watch this video introducing the church. (3.12 min.) If you want to visit the church
virtually click here (1.11 min.).

Jan Steens paintings

Jan Steen painted the life he saw around him. This video gives us a glimpse of life during the Golden Age
through his paintings. (3.10 min.)

Extra

The following links are in Dutch.

Poverty in the Golden Age

Not everyone is able to roll around in riches in the Golden Age. Watch this video about the poor during the
Golden Age. (ca. 3 min.)

Smartiepants
Watch this video about cartographer William Blaeu. (4.03 min.)

Watch this video about the life and work of Antoni van Leeuwenhoek. (3.50 min.) Also watch this video
explaining how his microscope worked. (1.30 min.)

Christiaan Huygens has been recognized as the Netherlands greatest scientist ever. Read this article to find
out more.

5.4. From gold to silver

5.4.1 Who is actually in charge in the Republic?

After the peace of Münster is signed the Dutch government
has to get used to the new situation. For '80 years' the war
has been a part of the peoples every day life and now the
young Republic really has to get used to peace. A short time
before the peace accords are signed a new stadtholder
takes charge of the provinces: William II. William is an
ambitious man. He wants to shape the Republic into a
powerful and strong Calvinistic country. He sees himself as
king of the Dutch provinces. But he is not able to set his
plans into action. In 1650 William II is infected with smallpox Source 1785 - Video: William II
during a hunting trip. Eight days after his death his A Dutch fragment of 30 seconds about
successor, William III, is born. William II
Made by ProDemos
Before his untimely death William II angered a bunch of Click on the image to start the video
people by carrying out a coup d'etat. He does so by
pressuring the States-General to give him his way. Williams
opponents use his death to take the wheel. The state
attorney is their leader. The battle between the pro-
Republic party and the Orangist party rages. It is typical for
the Republic. Williams death kicks off the first period
without a stadtholder and is therefore a victory for the pro-
Republic party. This period lasts until 1672.

Source 2 - States-General in 1650

In a gathering of the States-General in 1650 the
decision is made that five provinces will continue
without a new stadt-holder.
Click on the image to enlarge.
The Republic is not very clear on what must happen
when provinces disagree. The relationship between the
provinces and the Republic is unclear as well. What is
clear is that the provinces are allowed a great deal of
freedom. E.g. All provinces have to be agree before a
big decision is made. The representatives of each
province gather in the Hague, but when such a decision
is to be made all representatives are to consult with
their provincial states before deciding.

Source 3 - The provinces veto rights

In the province of Holland the state attorney is the

highest official. He also leads the meetings of the
States of Holland. In these states the representatives of
all cities and all of the nobels meet. Hollands state
attorney also leads Hollands delegation in the States
General. Because he is present at all of these meetings
he is well informed. Oldenbarnevelt and Johan de Witt
are important state attorneys in their time. Their
position can best be compared to a combination of
what we now call the minister of foreign affairs and the
minister of finances.

Source 4 - The position of the state attorney

Source 5
An explanation of the leaders within the Republic. From
top to bottom you can find the municipality (=bestuur)
of a city, of a province and of a whole country.
Click on the image to enlarge.
5.4.2 Icecold diplomacy and burning hot trade wars

The peace of Münster doesn't only bring the Republic peace,

it also changes how it is viewed by its neighbouring
countries. France and England for example see the
Republics economical grow as a threat. After the peace of
Münster has been signed France makes sure to protect its
economic interests. England does the same by enacting the
Navigation Acts . Only English ships are allowed to import
goods into their country. This is bad for the Dutch provinces
trade industry because they usually made money doing
exactly that. This results in a series of trade wards with Source 7
France and England called the Anglo-Dutch wars (1652 - In the Act of Seclusion signde in 1654
1654). the province of Holland has to
promise never te let William III or one
In the meantime the province of Holland appoints a young of his descendants become
and competent state attorney: Johan de Witt . He works as stadtholder. Johan de Witt isn't
head of the Republic and signs the, very secret, Act of bothered by this: he doesn't see
Seclusion in 1654. Peace is short lived and the second Anglo- himself as stadthouder either. It is,
Dutch war starts in 1655. This time admiral Michiel de however, humiliating that the English
get to decide who may or may not
Ruyter, 1607 - 1676 wins the war and a new peace is signed
become stadtholder.
called the Treaty of Breda .
Click on the image to enlarge.
But in the same summer of 1667 the Republic comes to
blows with king Louis XIV of France. He still occupies the
southern provinces. France seeks economic independence
but the Republic wants and needs to export products to
France. The French king raises the import taxes from the
Republic and so they hardly make any money when
products are exported to France

Now the Republic has lost an enemy, Spain, but gained two
new ones. England has a gigantic fleet and France a huge
landforce. Both countries don't want to sit idly by whilst the
Republic becomes more and more powerful each day.

Source 6
'For the increase of the shipping and the
encouragement of the navigation of this nation,
which[1] under the good providence and protection of
God is so great a means of the welfare and safety of this
Commonwealth: be it enacted by this present
Parliament, and the authority thereof, that from and
after the first day of December, one thousand six
hundred fifty and one, and from thence forwards, no
goods or commodities whatsoever of the growth,
production or manufacture of Asia, Africa or America, or
of any part thereof; or of any islands belonging to them,
or which are described or laid down in the usual maps
or cards of those places, as well of the English
plantations as others, shall be imported or brought into
this Commonwealth of England, or into Ireland, or any
other lands, islands, plantations, or territories to this
Commonwealth belonging, or in their possession, in
any other ship or ships, vessel or vessels whatsoever,
 but only in such as do truly and without fraud belong
only to the people of this Commonwealth, or the
plantations thereof, as the proprietors or right owners
thereof; and whereof the master and mariners are also
for the most part of them of the people of this
Commonwealth, under the penalty of the forfeiture and
loss of all the goods that shall be imported contrary to
this act; as also of the ship (with all her tackle, guns and
apparel) in which the said goods or commodities shall
be so brought in and imported; the one moiety to the
use of the Commonwealth, and the other moiety to the
use and behoof of any person or persons who shall
seize the goods or commodities, and shall prosecute
the same in any court of record within this
Commonwealth.'
From: Scobell's Acts of Parliament, the Navigation Act.
Click on the image to enlarge.

5.4.3 The disastrous year of 1672

The meddling neigbours haven't stopped yet. England and

France work together to badger the Republic. England
thinks that by waging war with the Republic the pro-
Republic government will be overthrown. If that were to be
the case the English kings nephew, William III , would be in
charge. This would definitely be good for the English trade
industry.

England attacks the Republic by sea and France attacks by

land in March of 1672. The disastrous year of 1672 has Source 8
started. The Republic is extremely surprised by Frances
advance and the whole country is taken aback. When cities
are attacked the peoples calls for a stadtholder of Orange
grow louder. Englands plan has only partially worked.
William III is appointed stadtholder of a few Provinces, but
he decides to fight for the Republic and against England.
The people blame the regents for the attacks and it is this
fury that spells the end for Johan de Witt. He is murdered in
the Hague.

During all of this the fates are swapped. The English fleet
can't beat Michiel de Ruyter and because the Republic has
gathered their allies the French king also has to withdraw.
The Republics economy has been through a rough patch.
The chaos and commotion has stopped people from
investing. Besides that England and France double down on
their trade laws. The protection on their own economies
makes it nigh on impossible for the Republic to do business
in these countries at all. This is a huge blow for the Republic
and is seen as the beginning of the end of the Golden Age.

Source 9 - The murder of the De Witt brothers (image)

The brothers mutilated bodies. Hun at the Groene
Zoodje in the Vijverberg te the Hague, 1672.
A painting by Jan de Baen.
Click on the image to enlarge.

''The furious, dunkerds forced themselves into the gate

and dragged the brothers outside. Cornelis was
trampled and perished after being hit multiple times
with the buts of multiple guns. Johan was stabbed
multiple times but it was lieutenant van Vaalen that
give the final blow. The mob took the bodies,
undressed them and flayed them. Then they hung
them from a gallows, guts hanging out and all. Toes,
fingers, ears, noses, lips and tongues were cut off and
taken home. ' (Johans tongue and Cornelis' middle
finger are still on display in the Haags Historisch
Museum.)

Source 10 - The murder of the De Witt brothers (text)

Written by an eyewitness.
 Revision

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Click here to make a gap-fill summary of this paragraph.

The Rijksmuseum looks at the disastrous year of 1672:

This website gives us a look at art from that period of time in the Republic.

Extra

The following links are in Dutch

The Republics government

Watch this video for more information about the government of the Republic during the Golden Age.(3.50
min.)

The first period without a stadtholder

This video lasting 4.50 min. explains the events starting at the end of the 80 years' war and ending after
William III death.

Eyewitnesses
This documentary shows us what life must have been like during the Golden Age. (18.13 min.)

5.5. Absolutely absolutism

5.5.1 Regents and monarchs

Since the start of the Middle Ages West-European countries

have used the feudal system to govern their countries.
Nobles work for the king and help to govern the country. Not
a lot has changed by the sixteenth century. This system is
still used in the Dutch provinces as well. But then the
Northern provinces rebel against their Spanish king (See
chapter 4) and the Republic becomes a unique country.
Why? Well it has no king!

Source 1 - Europa ca. 1500

A historical map of Europe in the
1500s.
Click on the image to enlarge.
But in other West-European countries, like France and
England, the monarchs power just keeps on growing. They
use centralisation to gain more power. The nobles, with
whom the kings first shared the power are cast aside. The
monarchs of Europe want to decide everything for
themselves. We call this trying to establish absolutist
power.

Most European countries meet in some type of meeting of

the classes. For many years the monarchs held these
meetings regularly, but now they seemed to not hold these
meetings at all. The representatives of the classes are only
gathered when the monarch wants to ask for an increase in
taxes. Each European monarch needs money to maintain his
court and to wage war. Thanks to all of these wars the big
countries in Europe become bigger, and the small countries
become smaller. Conflicts between European countries are
often the reason the monarchs keep asking their people for
more money.

Source 2 - Europa ca. 1600

A historical map of Europe in the 1600s.
Click on the map to enlarge.

'The Republic was unique in Europe. All the other

countries were ruled by a monarch. The northern
provinces hadn't fought for a republic. They only
wanted a king who would give his cities, provinces and
peoples freedom. That is something the Spanish king
Philip II did not do. Once they had gotten rid of him all
they wanted was an honest king. They weren't able to
find one and so they continued as a republic in 1588.'

Source 3 - We're missing a competent king

Free translation of the website canonvannederland.nl
5.5.2 Louis XIV and his hunger for power

In the seventeenth century France is ruled by king Louis XIV,

1638 - 1715 . The country consists of approximately 19
million residents. Most of them live in poverty. The king and
the nobility on the other hand bathe in luxury.

Louis learned to enjoy power when he was only little. As an

adult he says chances for change. Most people support him,
they want all of the fighting to stop. They want a strong
leader who will bring peace to their country. The king takes
a few measures: Source 4 - Filmfragment: Versailles
Video about the palace in Versailles.
He ensures that legislation and case law are (3.25 min.)
determined by him. There are no more differences Click on the image to start the video
between different areas.
He fortifies the army with soldiers he pays himself.
To prevent the nobility from revolting again he has his
castle turned into a palace in Versailles. The French 'At the end of Louis' reign France was
nobility is forced to live here, this way he can keep a in an economic abyss. The conflicts
close eye on them. Versailles is always a hubbub of Louis XIV had, had brought them to
music, dinners, balls and parties. The king shows his this point. The taxes were way to high
people that he is the richest and the most powerful of and the people of France were
them all. unhappy about the luxuries Versailles
had. The contrast between the palace
Louis XIV states that he has been given permission by God to
and the common, often poor, folk was
rule over his people as an absolute monarch. This is called
enormous. Louis knew that something
the divine right of the king.
had gone wrong, but used the excuse
that “wagen war was his only
passion”. The sun king died on
September 1st 1715, four days before
his 77th birthday. Louis XIV would be
succeeded by his great-great-
grandson Louis XV who was only 5
years old.'

Source 5 - The other side of Louis XIV

riches
Free translation of the website
IsGeschiedenis
5.5.3 The English thirst for absolute power

In 1625 Charles I succeeds his father James I as king of

England. The country is at war with both France and Spain.
Charles I needs money to be able to keep paying for the war.
First he has to ask the parliament if he is allowed to raise
taxes. The parliament is fine with this, but they do want
more say in other matters in return. Charles I doesn't agree
and he decides to dump his parliament in 1629.

It is hard to stay in charge without any money. Charles I tries

to stay in charge of the country by arresting members of the Source 6 - Three 'kings'
parliament. The king loses all support. The most important A caricature of the three 'kings' who
members of state believe they can solve the problems ruled England between 1624 and
without him. He is forced to resign and is executed for 1658.
treason. Click on the image to enlarge.

England doesn't want a new king and decides to become a

republic. Oliver Cromwell, 1599 - 1658 is to lead them. But
the people soon find out that Cromwell is misusing his 'When king Charles had to hand over
power and is starting to look an awful lot like a dictator. He his leadership of the English army he
is forced to resign. Charles I son, Charles II becomes the new had had enough. He had several
king of England. But it is made clear that he is to listen to the member of parliament arrested for
parliament. And so England becomes a constitutional treason. This was the cause of the first
monarchy. English Civil war (1642 - 1646). Charles
had expected a big part of the army to
stand by him, but he was wrong. He
was taken imprisoned in 1647 and
extradited to parliament. On January
30th 1649 he was executed. Charles I
is the only monarch to be beheaded in
England's vast history.'

Source 7 - Charles I tragic death

Free translation from the website
IsGeschiedenis.
'If you wanted the sun king to notice you, you would
have to be a wonderful erudite and display heart and
soul. This is still so today. A well-educated Frenchman
often oozes impressive rhetorical gifts and has a vast
knowledge of history, philosophy and literature. "Dutch
and German people are often agitated by this culture",
says Jacques Pateau, a consultant who has specialized
in intercultural advice and often works with managers
in France. "The Netherlands is a trading nation. They
are quick and to the point. Clarity is important to them.
French people belong to a regal society. Their worth is
not measured by how well they do the task, but by their
relationship to the king". (...) France is still a
hierarchical country in which relationships are of
utmost importance.'

Source 8
Free translation of: de Volkskrant: Peter Giesen, Après
Soleil, Louis XIV 300th deathday. (Volkskrant, January
7th 2015, p. 18)
 Revision

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Click here to make a gap-fill summary of this paragraph.

Lodewijk XIV
To get to know Louis XIV better watch this (ca. 15 min.) video. (14.41 min)
This video is a compilation of Charles XIV portraits accompanied by the opera Xerxes from composer Lully.
(0.41 min)

The beheading of Charles I

It may be quite macabre, but if you want to know what Charles I beheading might've looked like, watch this
video. (3.37 min.)

Extra

The following links are in Dutch.

Absolute macht en absolutisme

Listen and wtch this illustrated video explaining absolutism (3.40 min).

Lodewijk XIV
Louis XIV turned the castle of Versailles into a beautiful palace. This video shows from the official
presentation of Versailles (1.35 min.) can give you an idea of what it looks like. Or visit the palace itself (ca. 10
min.) or its gardens (2.30 min.)

Dance and music int the French court

Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632 - 1687) was one of Louis XIV composers. Listen to his March of the black
musketeers by clicking here (3.05 min.).

Another one of Louis XIV composers was François Couperin (1668 - 1733). Listen to his Barricades
Mystérieuses by clicking here (3.20 min.).

5.6. Gap-fill summary

How to:

First fill in the words without using the original page.

Once you've filled in everything you know, open the splitscreen to scroll through the original page.
Don't just fill something in! Every time you want to fill something in think: 'Does this make sense?"
Once you're finished filling it in, explain the titles of each summary to someone (a classmate for instance).

As rich as a king
1. As rich as a king
World The production and consumption of every product in the whole world.
economy
Absolute A form of government, often called absolutism. The monarch is able to decide everything: his/her power is
Power absolute.
Scientific A time when the people are driven to research the world through experimentation.
revolution Many discoveries are done during this period of time. The classical-religious approach made way for a more
scientific approach of the world. This procedure had already been started by the humanists.

2. A glorious Golden Age

Golden Age A time in Dutch history in which the Republic flourished.

The Golden Age mainly occurred in the seventeenth century. The Republic makes huge developments
in the trade industry but also science and the arts,
Trade policies A policy centered around trade.
Staple city A place where products from the whole wold are brought. They are then distributed to other cities or
stored for a while before being sold.
In the 17th century Amsterdam is the most important staple city in Europe.
Exchange bank A bank where money can be exchanged or saved.
Stock exchange A place where tradesmen come together to trade.
Company Trade organisation
The most famous trade organisations are the Dutch East India Company and the Dutch West India
Company.
Dutch East India A trading group that has a monopoly over the trade in Asia. It was founded in 1602.
Company
Dutch West India A trading group that aims their focus on the trade in America. It was founded in 1621.
Company
Multinational A company that has settlements in several countries
E.g.: Dutch East India Company and the Dutch West India Company. Modern examples of such
companies are Apple, Google, Philips and Shell.
Triangel voyage A trade agreement between Europe, Africa and America. The trade in slaves and plantation products
are the most important products.

3. A golden life

Regents A person appointed to govern a city.

Tolerance The ability or willingness to tolerate the existence of opinions or behavior that one dislikes or disagrees
with.
Scientific A time when the people are driven to research the world through experimentation.
revolution Many discoveries are done during this period of time. The classical-religious approach made way for a more
scientific approach of the world. This procedure had already been started by the humanists.
Merchants People who make a living buying and selling products at a profit.
Also called tradespeople. The profit is the difference between the price paid for a product (buying) and the
price received for it (selling), minus any taxes and other costs.
Craftsmen People who use certain skills and techniques to make products from raw materials.
Examples of craftspeople are carpenters, blacksmiths, weavers, spinners, shoemakers (cobblers), brewers,
potters, tailors, painters, and so on.
Taking care Taking care of poor people and the elderly.
of the poor The church took care of the poor in some instances.

4. From gold to silver

Coup d'etat When someone tries to overthrow the highest power in a country.
Pro-Republic Regents who want the power to stay with them.
party These people want the regents and the grand pensionary to have the biggest say in the Republics
government. They don't want the stadtholders to gain power.
Orangist party Supporters of the stadtholders of Orange.
These people want the stadtholders to have the biggest say in the Republics government. They don't
want the regents to have power.
Period without a Period without a stadtholder.
stadtholder The first period without a stadtholder was from 1650 until 1672. It started immediately after William II
death. This periode doesn't apply to Friesland and Groningen.
Anglo-Dutch Wars between England and the Republic.
wars The English and the Republic wage three trade wars during the 17th century.
Disastrous year 1672, the year the Republic was attacked.
of 1672 1672 has gone down in history as a disastrous year. In this year the Republic was attacked by both the
English and the French.

5. Absolutely absolutism

Absolute A form of government, often called absolutism. The monarch is able to decide everything: his/her power
Power is absolute.
Meeting of the A meeting in which a representation of all three classes are present.
classes In France and England these meetings are often held to ask for more money so that the king can keep
waging all his wars.
Centralisation Organising a state under a single government in a central place, with the same laws and rules throughout
the state.
Divine right of Rights to rule a country given to a king by God.
the king Christian monarchs used this right to legitimize their power. They claimed that God had called upon
them to rule over their people. They believed they didn't have to answer to anyone else but God.
Parliament Government of a country elected by the people.
Constitutional A form of government in which the king and the parliament make decisions together.
monarchy