The Dutch in the early modern world : a history of a global power

Emerging at the turn of the seventeenth century, the Dutch Republic rose to become a powerhouse of economic growth, artistic creativity, military innovation, religious tolerance and intellectual development. This is the first textbook to present this period of early modern Dutch history in a global context. It makes an active use of illustrations, objects, personal stories and anecdotes to present a lively overview of Dutch global history that is solidly grounded in sources and literature. Focusing on themes that resonate with contemporary concerns, such as overseas exploration, war, slavery, migration, identity and racism, this volume charts the multiple ways in which the Dutch were connected with the outside world. It serves as an engaging and accessible introduction to Dutch history as well as a case study in early modern global expansion. Cover 1 Half-title 3 Title page 5 Copyright information 6 Contents 7 List of Figures 8 List of Maps 10 Acknowledgements 13 Grand Pensionaries of Holland 14 Stadholders of Holland 15 Timeline of the Dutch in the Early Modern World 16 Introduction 25 1 The Emerging Republic: (1579-1609) 29 The Dutch Revolt 30 The Forging of a Republic 39 Origins of the Economic Miracle 46 An Empire in Asia 56 The Forging of an Identity 65 2 The Confident Republic: (1609-1650) 75 Party Conflict and Foreign Policy 76 The Eighty Years' War 84 Economic Warfare in America, Africa and Europe 93 Intercultural Pragmatism in Asia and the Atlantic 102 Representation of the Eighty Years' War 110 3 The Ascendant Republic: (1650-1672) 120 Foreign Policy of the True Freedom Regime 121 Economic Interest and Naval Power 129 Self-Image and Foreign Perceptions 138 Empire in Asia and the Atlantic: Hegemony, Decline and Representation 143 A Hub of Global Migration 153 4 The Combatant Republic: (1672-1713) 162 The Forty Years' War 163 Universal Monarchy Discourse 172 A Hub of European Migration 180 A Portal of International Learning 189 The Empire Strikes Back 198 5 The Stagnant Republic: (1713-1747) 207 European Politics 208 The Stagnant Republic 217 Petrification, Oligarchization and Pauperization 226 Kingdom Come 234 All the World's a Stage 244 6 The Dissolving Republic: (1747-1795) 252 Burghers, Regents and the Stadholder 253 Civil War and Revolution 262 Reminiscing Days of Glory: The 'Golden' Navy 271 Commercial Stagnation and Colonial Attitudes in Asia 279 Slaves, Masters and Maroons 291 Epilogue 301 Index 304 Provides an engaging and accessible overview of the history of the Dutch Republic within a global context, making active use of illustrations, objects, personal stories and anecdotes to present a lively account that is solidly grounded in sources and literature. "Emerging at the turn of the seventeenth century, the Dutch Republic rose to become a powerhouse of economic growth, artistic creativity, military innovation, religious tolerance and intellectual development"-- Provided by publisher