1600's+Golden+Age+of+the+Dutch+Republic


 * Haley & Cooper & Ian


 * **Event & Dates** || **Major Causes** || **Key Events** || **Key Outcomes for Analysis** || **Interesting POV's to consider** ||
 * 17th Century || * At the surrender of the port of Antwerp in 1585, the Protestant population in the Southern Netherlands was given two years to relocate themselves out of Habsburg territory. Many skilled craftsmen and rich merchants of port cities relocated into the Northern Netherlands. Originally a small port, Amsterdam became one of the most important centers in Europe for trade.

> || * The dutch controlled most of the European economy at the time due to its massive shipping routes across the world.
 * Due to the massive migration of skilled laborers, cheap energy was created. Windmills and peat contributed to energy while the creation of sawmills helped to build ships, contributing to the economy and to defen se.
 * The creation of the Dutch East India Company helped to boost trade and lifted the Dutch economy.
 * The Dutch revolted against Spanish rule and became an independent country. || * A new social structure had developed in the Netherlands as the merchant class was the predominant class, while the aristocracy held little influence.
 * Religoius tolerance lead to several forms of Chrisitanity. Also, the clergy would hold little influence over northern countries in the years to come. || * Baroque artists who explored naturalism and classicalsim.
 * The merchant class who held severe influence over the Dutch economy, government, and society. ||