How did Holland colonize and expand?

The golden age of the Netherlands was about17th century, when trade, science and art were praised by the world and regarded as the peak of the Netherlands.

cause

1568, seven Dutch provinces formed the Utrecht Alliance to resist the rule of King Philip II of Spain, and an 80-year war broke out. Before the low countries were completely defeated, a war broke out between England and Spain, forcing the Spanish army led by Philip II to stop moving forward. At this time, Philip II's army had occupied important trading cities such as Bruges and Ghent. Antwerp, the most important port in the world at that time, was captured by Spain in August 1585. At this time, the southern Netherlands (about Belgium today) was completely occupied by Spain. The Netherlands * * * and the Netherlands (today's Netherlands) fought until the signing of the Peace Treaty of Westphalia in 1648.

The failure of South Holland led many Calvinist businessmen to flee to the north. Many people moved to Amsterdam and then to a small port. By the17th century, the rapidly developing Amsterdam has become one of the most important ports in the world. This migration can be called "building a new Antwerp". A large number of immigrants from Flanders and brabant were an important driving force of the Golden Age in the Netherlands.

In addition to a large number of immigrants from southern Netherlands, there are also a large number of refugees fleeing religious persecution, especially Sefadi Jews in Spain and Portugal, and Huguenots in France.

Several other factors also promoted the prosperity of trade, industry, art and science during this period. One of the factors is the supply of cheap energy such as wind power and peat, which can be transported to cities through canals. With the emergence of sawmills, large-scale fleets can be built to trade around the world, and military means can also be used to defend the country's economic interests.

destiny

/kloc-in the 0/7th century, excellent Dutch sailors and cartographers dominated world trade for a long time, replacing the Portuguese and Spaniards who once occupied this position. After a long-term competition with England, several wars broke out (mainly at sea), and finally lost its dominance.

1602, the Dutch East India Company was established, which was the first multinational company in history. The Dutch East India Company monopolized Asian trade for 200 years and became the largest commercial enterprise in17th century. The massive import of spices has brought huge profits. 1609, Amsterdam Stock Exchange was established, one century earlier than London Stock Exchange.

Around 1640, the Dutch East India Company established a trading base on an artificial island in Nagasaki Bay, Japan, and monopolized the trade with Japan. Until 1854, Holland was the only window for Japan to go west. The spread of western science and products in Japan led to the rise of Lan Xue. Holland introduced western scientific revolution and industrial technology to Japan. Japan has purchased and translated many scientific books from the Netherlands, acquired western treasures and products (such as clocks and watches), and accepted various western innovations (such as1early 9 th century's electric image proof and hot air balloon flight). In the two centuries of 17 and 18, the Netherlands can be said to be the richest and most advanced country in Europe, which gave them the privileged position of spreading western knowledge to Japan.

The Netherlands also dominates the trade between European countries. Low-lying countries just occupy a favorable position on the east-west and north-south trade routes, and the Rhine River can connect the vast hinterland of Germany. Dutch merchants transported French and Portuguese wines to the Baltic Sea and grain back to countries around the Mediterranean Sea. During the period of 1680, nearly 1000 Dutch ships entered the Baltic Sea every year on average. [ 1]? Trippenhuis is located in Amsterdam, where the Royal Dutch Academy of Arts and Sciences is located. It is a typical building of17th century.

National industries such as shipyards and sugar factories also developed during this period. With more and more land being developed, some lakes have been expanded to form new land, and the local grain production and dairy industry have increased rapidly.

Although only a small part of Dutch wealth was acquired through the slave trade, this trade is still closely related to the golden age. [2]? 16 19, the Netherlands started the slave trade between Africa and America, and became the leading slave trading country in Europe in 1650, and its position was not replaced by Britain until around 1700. Amsterdam became the slave capital of Europe. In addition to the slave trade, it also helped neighboring countries manage slaves. There were 10000 ships in slave ship at that time.

The vigorous development of Dutch trade has produced a huge class of wealthy businessmen. The new prosperity has brought more attention and sponsorship to visual arts, literature and science.

national consciousness

As we all know, the result of the resistance against Spain was the 80-year war for religious freedom and economic and political independence, which made the northern provinces of the reformists (see the Netherlands) completely independent and created national morale.

Juzijun William I, 65438+April 24th, 0533-65438+July10,0584). Willem van oranje was one of the main leaders in the Dutch revolution who resisted the Habsburg rule, and also one of the leaders in the 80-year war. He was the first Dutch government.

Leiden triumphed? (1574), Dutch troops seized Spanish infantry positions.