During the late 17th century and early into the 18th century, the security, unity, and prosperity of the Dutch Republic were challenged. The Dutch faced many problems, such as trade being hindered because of naval battles, the government and economy being torn apart from the economic problems, and the lack of money being made because of the cost of war and lack of trade profits.
The Dutch were short of security during this time period because of naval battles and many kings scheming to ruin what remained of the Dutch economy. According to the map (doc.1), Dutch trade routes were interrupted by many naval battles with England, thus challenging the security of Holland. In response, the Dutch decided they must make defensive fortifications on land as well as at sea to answer to the challenges of its security, according to an anonymous pamphlet published in Holland (doc.5). And as indicated by the Resolution of the Amsterdam City Council (doc.7),
Dutch Consul-General Teppema, Madame Teppema and R...
Dutch Consul-General Teppema, Madame Teppema and R...
Dutch Consul-General Teppema, Madame Teppema and R...the French monarch as well as other kings seemed to contest Holland's security by scheming and trying to ruin the remains of the trade and navigation of the Dutch Republic to benefit themselves. The Dutch seemed to be attacked economically and in war by numerous countries. And because of the English East India Company, it caused major anxiety to the Dutch and its trade security, as stated by a French ambassador, Marquis de Pomponne (doc.11). This trade competition also caused wars between the English and the Dutch, increasingly testing the strength and security of Holland.
As the security of Holland was being challenged, the prosperity of the Dutch decreased. According to a chart of Baltic Sea Trade (doc.2), the percentage of Dutch ships consistently decreased from 1645-1695, showing that there were less voyages, therefore, less money was made during this...