Class Notes: The Rise of Constitutionalism in The Netherlands
What are the most important things one should know about The Netherlands during the 17th and early 18th centuries?
1. 'Balance of Power': As Louis XIV's power increased, other monarchs [led by William of Orange] joined forces to keep France from dominating European politics.
2. Dutch Shipping and Trading: The Dutch controlled most of the shipping on goods from and into Northern Europe. This activity coupled with the power of the Bank of Amsterdam allowed The Netherlands to emerge as a major financial center.
3. Navigation Act: England, threatened by the Dutch economic prosperity, crafted the Navigation Act. The Act said that only English ships could carry goods from England or into England and, since England was the site of much production, the passage of this act inflicted economic harm on the Netherlands. Fighting broke out between the English and the Dutch, but stopped when they united forces to keep Louis XIV in line.
4. William of Orange [later William III of England]: Arising from his position as Stadholder, William, Prince of Orange, ruled over a decentralized republic in The Netherlands and a constitutional monarchy in England following the Glorious Revolution in 1688. As chief engineer of the Alliance against Louis XIV, he helped maintain the balance of power in Europe.
5. Religious Tolerance: The Netherlands was the most tolerant of the European nations during this period of time.
6. Prosperous Nation: The Netherlands became a wealthy, stable nation where the arts and literature flourished [Rembrandt, Vermeer, etc.].