End of the Golden Age

Question 1

Mention the causes of the Dutch decline in the 18th Century

Answer 1

International developments (competition with England and France, upcoming powers like Sweden and Prussia)

Lack of new initiatives and power (also in art!)

Decline of population, migration

Natural disaster (flooding, pile worm, cattle plague)

Question 2

Outline briefly the political developments in the Dutch Republic during the 18th Century

Answer 2

Old controversy Orange – regents is still there, but gets a bit diffuse:

Regents became aristocrats

Burghers strived for political participation (‘patriot movement’): both Orange and the regents were their opponents

1787: ‘Dutch Revolution’ that failed, restoration of stadholder William V