Dutch Republic Essay -- History, European Trade

The Dutch Republic was very successful economically and militarily around the 1650s. The Dutch were a well-respected nation in Europe due to the power they held over trade routes during the middle of the 17th century. Later, the Dutch Republic began to decline because of wars initiated by power-hungry competitor nations, mounting internal issues, and deteriorating trade in the later part of the 17th century. After witnessing the Dutch Republic’s rise in becoming a dominating controller of European trade, other countries in the area were eager to be a part of the success – even if that meant using force. England attacked the Dutch in three Anglo-Dutch Wars between 1652 and 1674, according to Document 3. Compared to the five hundred English ships that the Dutch seized, the English took approximately two thousand Dutch ships. This loss to Dutch merchant shipping would not be easily recovered. It is clear by the battle markers shown in Document 1 that many English Battles for economic influence occurred near trade routes. Everyone was desperate for a chance to get in on the profitable trade. France even allied with England in the Treaty of Dover (Document 6) so that the â€Å"allied sovereigns [could] then jointly declare war on the Dutch Republic†¦Ã¢â‚¬  As an official treaty, Document 6 is a clear insight into the true and blatant violent intentions of the other natio ns to take out the Dutch Republic’s power in order to increase their own. It was strategic partner to take out the Dutch before they absorbed all the trade power – a win-win for the England and France. At the Amsterdam City Council, people were obviously biased toward the Dutch side of the war. However, their opinion that â€Å"other kings seem more and more to scheme how to ruin wh... ...from one end by declining trade due to war and from the other by citizens, angry that their taxes had to fight the wars. The economic problems made finding war funding hopeless while the internal conflicts constantly pushed the fragile central government. The Dutch Republic made a steady decline following the 1650s. Though their budding commercial power in Amsterdam was great for both them and Europe, other countries saw that power as a potential threat. Seeking to take some of that commerce for their own use, nations like England and France allied to wage devastating war on the Dutch Republic. They damaged their morale and their wallets. Trade declined as the battles wore out the Dutch merchant ships and ravaged trade roots. With repeated military defeats, trade economy with damaged roots and piling debt, it was impossible for the Dutch to remain successful.