Golden age
The period
The period from 1600 to 1700 is called the golden age. The Netherlands is doing very well. This was mainly due to trade in the colonies. The organization that regulated this trade was called VOC. T
VOC
1602 – Formation of the Dutch East India Company (VOC): The VOC was established as the world’s first multinational corporation, which played a crucial role in Dutch exploration, trade, and colonization in Asia. There was trade in spices, but also in slaves.
Effects of the Golden Age
The fact that things went well in those days can be seen, for example, in the beautiful houses along the canals in Amsterdam. We also see those beautiful houses in other old cities in the Randstad. During this time, artists were also active who would later become world famous, such as Rembrandt. His most famous painting is “The Night Watch” and that painting can be seen in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
An interesting video
The next video is just there for illustration. So just look at it if it interests you. It shows the major period “the Golden Age”, and how the Netherlands succeeded in becoming a global power.
By means of the cogwheel you can adapt undertitling.
Night Watch (Rembrandt)
Industries arise… people move from the contryside
Period 1700 – 1900
During the 18th century, the Dutch Republic experienced a period of economic growth and prosperity, fueled by its thriving trade and maritime industries. However, this period was also marked by internal political disputes and uprisings, including the Patriot Revolution of the late 1780s.
In 1814, the Netherlands adopted the constitution, a basic law that describes the principles of which a country must adhere. For example, in the constitution we find articles that describe that:
– everyone is equal
– there is freedom of religion
That constitution was later changed: the king was stripped of all power and the Netherlands became a real democracy.
Important changes can be seen especially in the period after 1850. Industries arise, for textiles and many people move from the countryside to the factories. There was a lot of poverty.
After 1900
The influence of democracy is becoming increasingly apparent. There will be laws to protect the workers.
World War I
In 1914 the first world war breaks out. Germany attacks many countries in Europe. The Netherlands remains impartial. There are many casualties in Belgium.
Crisis
Around 1930 the economy was going very badly all over the world. Factories had to close and many people took to the streets. It is a time of great poverty and bad conditions.
Poverty 1850 – 1930