The Dutch Republic in the 17th Century was an example of success in Europe, and achieved this success by daring to be different from its neighbors. It was a place for people of all religions to go, the home of the most trusted currency in the world, and it did it all by having a totally different way of working. The Dutch Republic, by adopting a representative democracy instead of following the precedent set by surrounding countries of an absolute monarchy achieved religious toleration, the world's strongest economy for the time, and an excellent middle class work force.
The Dutch Republic had a governmental system that is remarkably similar to the modern system in the United Stated of America. Each of the nine provinces had their own leader, called a stadholder, that they had chosen. The stadholders controlled the different provinces, but they didn’t ever use their power to try and gain prestige; they did their job and stepped down when it was time that they did. Because of the lack of a centralized government, there was little religious intolerance and censorship. Huguenots, Catholics, Jew, and many other religions went to Dutch Republic, and each of them were welcomed. Without a government to enforce a specific religion, there was no need to discriminate. The same was true for censorship; there was no need, because there was no government that felt the need to rule with an iron fist.
The florin, the Dutch gold coin, was used as international currency. This was achieved through the solid economy of the Dutch Republic. The Dutch Republic had many energy sources readily available to them, which included windmills and sawmills. Because of these cheap energy sources, the Dutch were able to extend their goods to the Dutch East India Trading Company, which allowed them to reach most of the known world with their products. The huge amount of the world that their trade covered allowed for stability, and the natural resources they had also gave them room to grow.
The middle class work force in the 17th Century Dutch Republic was one of the best of that time period because of its work ethic. The mainly Protestant workforce lived frugally because it was against the Calvinist faith to have luxuries. There were people of all faiths in the work force, especially because of the immigration rush of Sephardi Jews from Portugal and Spain and the Huguenots from France. The differently skilled nationalities created a diverse and hardworking work force, and this was what helped create the Golden Age of the Dutch Republic.
The Golden Age of the Dutch Republic was something to be envied by other European countries, and something to be inspired by in modern times. Religious toleration, a strong and stable economy, and a enviable workforce are within the grasp of a truly remarkable country.
"The Dutch Republic, by adopting a representative democracy instead of following the precedent set by surrounding countries of an absolute monarchy achieved religious toleration, the world's strongest economy for the time, and an excellent middle class work force."
ReplyDeleteActually, they adopted a Republic. But even if what you said were accurate, it should be noted that it would be a 'true' statement and there would be no argument. Yes, the Dutch Republic allowed for religious toleration, international banking, and a large middle class: that's a definition of the Dutch state, not an argument.