Dutch Republic Free Response Essay

Discuss the ways the 17^th-century Dutch Republic differed from its neighbors, telling how these differences contributed to the country’s success.

The Dutch Republic was “an island of plenty in a sea of want.” It provided much for the merchant class, whose trade, banking, and storage surpassed most others in Europe. It differed from countries around it. The Dutch Republic was powerful in trade, banking, and the arts which set it apart from its neighbors, but France was a more successful country and neighbor to the Dutch than the Dutch Republic was during this time.

The Dutch Republic was a well establish and organized country that did very well for itself during the 17^th century. Its merchant class contributed immensely to its success, whose hands power gathered in. The merchant class provided patronage for the arts, and artists typically created landscapes, seascapes, and still lifes. The Dutch looked down upon the French, naming their excess living “loose-living.” In the Dutch Republic, excess was considered sinful, so the people lived comfortably but not flagrantly. The Dutch East India Company traded with different countries and the Dutch began settling on the coast of South Africa. The Dutch gained many achievements; however, France was more powerful and had more control than the Dutch did.

During the 17^th century, France was controlled by Henry IV, Louis XIII, and Louis XIV. The rule of Henry IV set up the path to France’s rise in Europe. The French set up ties with other countries, trading with both India and Madagascar. With domestic peace after the French nobility was weakened and Louis being able to be an absolute monarch, Louis XIV caused the borders of France to be expanded to include many other reigions. France was the dominant power in Europe during the reign of King Louis XIV. While the Palace of Versailles was said to be extravagant, many imitations were created all over Europe, which proves that it was in fact found to be impressive by many. The War of Devolution brought gains of land to France. Simon Vouet characterized the French Baroque, and French classical architecture was admired by many, even before the Palace of Versailles was built. France became the culture center of Europe during this time; therefore, in this aspect making it greater than the Dutch Republic. The French navy was greater than most, even England’s, being improved from 25 ships to almost 200. The size of the army itself was also increased considerably. France was very powerful during the 17^th century.

During the reign of Louis XIV, France was the dominant power in Europe. Louis XIV was one of the most dominant figures in French history, and he was the most powerful monarch in the 17^th century. France was more powerful than the Dutch Republic was. Louis XIII was able to put politics ahead of religion, make the middle class powerful, and limit the power that the Habsburgs had. With France’s absolute monarchy, it was able to be powerful and controlling to a popular degree. France was able to expand its control and holding to other countries, increasing its power. The Dutch Republic was a powerful country, but not to the extent that France was during this time.

Both the Dutch Republic and France expressed their achievement and ability to be powerful countries. They were strong, well organized, and used the resources available to them during this time. During the 17^th century; however, France’s power reigned through and it was the most powerful country, especially during the reign of Louis XIV, which was the second half of the 17^th century. The Dutch was more powerful than most of its neighbors, but it was not more powerful than France, its one neighbor that utilized its authority with a better ability.