Absolutism and Constitutionalism, 1648-1715, Part 2

Question 1: Describe the causes and effects of the Glorious Revolution.

Answer 1: For many years, England and the Netherlands maintained an ongoing rivalry, and English leaders often conspired with Hollanders to undermine the power of the Dutch monarchy. Ironically, internal dissension in England led to a bloodless revolution by a Dutch monarch. In 1685, English King Charles II died without an heir, leading to the accession of his Catholic brother, James II, to the throne. Parliamentary leaders clashed with James, whom they feared would push for Catholic dominance. Their fears were allayed somewhat by James’s Protestant wife, who raised both of their daughters as Protestants. One daughter, Mary, wed Dutch leader William III. When James’s first wife died, he married Mary of Modena, a Catholic who soon bore a son. Fearing this heir would usher in a Catholic monarchy, Parliament asked James II to resign and invited Mary and William III to take the English throne. In 1688, William led a Dutch force to England. James fled to France, which resulted in a new monarchy in the bloodless coup known as the Glorious Revolution.

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Question 2: Explain why many scholars consider either the year 1702 or 1713 to mark the end of the “golden era” of the Dutch Republic.

Answer 2: Despite internal strife and frequent conflicts with other nations, the tiny Netherlands experienced its greatest level of economic and political influence for about 100 years after the Twelve Years’ Truce of 1609. Most of its power lay in its powerful navy and skilled merchant class that carefully built up trade networks and established shipping monopolies throughout the globe. While many other European nations were focused on gaining lands within Europe, the Dutch recognized the financial future of world trade and acted accordingly. Many of their rivals were slower to take full advantage of trade as a political tool. When they did, the Dutch golden era began to come to an end. Scholars differ as to when this “golden era” officially ended. Some establish it in 1702, when William III died without an heir, ushering in another stadholderless period led by weak officials. Others mark it at 1713, when the Treaty of Utrecht signified English dominance over Dutch interests. Either way, the Dutch nation would never again be as influential as it was during the 1600s.

Question 3: Describe some of the major economic and social developments in the Dutch Republic during the 1600s.

Answer 3: Economically, the Dutch Republic gained most of its wealth from its overseas colonies, along with charges for shipping goods for other countries. It monopolized trade routes to its full advantage. The enormous wealth brought in by trade allowed for a higher than average standard of living for most Dutch citizens, who tended to be well-educated and highly skilled. Unlike many other European nations, the Netherlands had only a small noble class, left over from the pre-Republic era. Most of the leading citizens were business leaders who had built their own wealth. For that reason, Dutch society was much less rigidly class-based than most of Europe. This was reflected in Dutch religious tolerance. Although Calvinism was the official religion of the Republic and some Reformed Church leaders tried to drive out members of other faiths, the Netherlands was generally one of the most religiously diverse nations in Europe. Many people fleeing religious persecution settled in the provinces, greatly enhancing the culture and economic strength of Dutch society.

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