Around 1600, a Golden Age started in the Northern provinces of the Low
Countries. In 1602, the United East-Indian Company (VOC) was founded,
the first ever company with shares. A maritime trade and transport
network to the Far East was established, with fortified trade posts
along the way.
The Low Countries developed steadily in many areas. The Seven Provinces
were led to glory by Johan de Witt, an astute statesman who built an
effective, modern navy led by superior admirals. Rich entrepreneurs
were influential from many European ports to the Far East and the West
Indies. William of Orange, murdered in 1584, lived on in the hearts of
his people as the Father of the Fatherland. Meanwhile, success also
loomed in other fields. In science, the philologist Lipsius, the
naturalist Leeuwenhoek, the philosopher Spinoza and, last but not
least, the father of the law of nations, Hugo Grotius all advanced
their expertise considerably. In arts, the Flemish School with Rubens
and V
|
|
