West-European Leadership

1. West-EuropeanLeadership

2. Location of Modern Society 1650: Modern or Western Civilization located in 500 mile radius around Paris Ireland, Portugal, Spain outside the zone

3. Characteristics of a Modern Society Secular society Modern natural science Capitalism first expressed within Modern state zone Parliamentary government Democratic ideas Machine industry

4. Establishing West European Leadership Leadership of Western Europe established after Peace of Westphalia: - Italian Renaissance faded - Religious Wars subsided - Holy Empire in ruins - Spain in decline Cleared way for rise of Dutch, English, and French, although France will become the leader for the half century following Westphalia - Dutch too small - England dealing with domestic discord

5. Louis XIV

6. “The Sun King” 1643: Louis XIV inherited throne at 5 yrs. of age 1661: At age 23 he took over the affairs of state 1715: Died after reign of 72 years Under his rule France became strongest state in Europe French culture set the standard

7. Louis’s Expansionist Policies In this age the key political question was “What was going to happen to Spain’s possessions?” - Spain – “sick man of Europe” - 1665: Charles II assumes Spanish throne impotent, product of Habsburg inbreeding Spanish lands in jeopardy Expansionist policies of Louis: Married sister of Charles II 1) Annex Spanish Netherlands and Franche Comte 2) Take entire Spanish inheritance

8. Louis’s Plan Use the small and middle-sized powers of Europe - these people were most dependent on foreign assistance – for example: Republicans in Holland against their prince Royalists in England against parliamentary opposition

9. “Balance of Power” Politics Louis wanted to create a “universal monarchy” where one state could subordinate all others To counter this possibility, the balance of power was used - power evenly distributed among states - use coalitions to restore equilibrium and balance - decisive amount of weight or power one state can hold in controlling the balance of power

10. Purpose: Preserve Sovereignty Basic rule: ally (with weaker states) against any state threatening domination Don’t ally with one that might become dominate – could become a puppet Each state throws weight where it is most needed to enhance importance

11. Why was it effective in 17th and 18th century? Great number of states (both large and small) capable of pursing an independent foreign policy Alliances made with no thought to ideology or sympathies, especially after end of religious wars – they could freely choose or reject allies Because of military technology, small states might be important military partners ex: Denmark: could provide strategic location Dutch Republic: could provide ships or money The Dutch will engineer balance of power politics against Louis

12. The Dutch Republic Characteristics of the Dutch: - mostly bourgeois - only republicans in Europe - mostly wealthy - most important in international diplomacy and culture Dutch had acquired their independence from Spain through diplomacy rather than actual fighting during Thirty Years’ War In 17th century brought intellectual, artistic, and commercial achievements unparalleled in Europe

13. Religious Toleration Stimulated intellectual and commercial life Early 17th century: Dutch Calvinists divided - some favored a toned down doctrine of absolute and unconditional predestination; they found support in burgher classes and theologian Arminius Calvinist synod met in 1618 to deal with Arminian heresy - orthodox sect won out - Arminians tolerated, Catholic minority granted rights, Jews welcomed, Mennonites found refuge

14. Dutch Shipping By 1600: Dutch had 10,000 ships and controlled shipping in northern Europe throughout 17th century Accomplishments: - Got to Pacific by rounding Cape Horn (S. America) - East India Co. (1602): merchants replaced Portuguese in India and Far East; founded city of Batavia in Java; killed group of Englishmen in Spice Islands discouraging their return - Reached Japan in early 1600s – only western link there after Japanese dispelled others - Founded Manhattan Island in 1612 - Dutch West India Co.: exploited riches of Portuguese and Spanish in America, founded colonies in Brazil, captured Cape of Good Hope in S. Africa from Portuguese (modern Afrikaner people)

15. Bank of Amsterdam Founded in 1609 – Financial center of Europe until the French Revolution Accepted mixed money: Solved problems of having money minted in other states and cities because of their uncertain value; they assessed gold and silver content Minted gold florins: Became international money supply, acceptable everywhere Deposits guaranteed by Dutch government: this attracted capital from all over Europe

16. Government Republic government – did not meet all requirements of a state High Mightinesses (HoogeMoogende) made up estates general The 7 provinces each had an elected stadholder = executive - no stadholder for United Provinces as a whole - most princes elected same man as stadholder – usually from House of Orange - prince usually a feudal nobleman

17. Politics was a seesaw between burghers and the princes of Orange to whom the country owed its military security - power of stadholder increased with threats of invasion; when calm, little power Peace of Westphalia built confidence of the burghers Constitutional Crisis: 1650 – stadholder William II died - no new stadholder elected for 22 years - time of decentralization; growth of burghers

18. William III of Orange Born 8 days after father’s death Reserved in lifestyle Spoke multiple languages Dutch Calvinist 1677: Married Mary Stuart (niece of English king)

19. Dutch Conflict with English 1651: English government passed Navigation Act - used to build colonial power; aimed against Dutch carrying trade - goods going into England and its dependencies must be on English ships - Dutch carried goods of others; English policy a threat to their economy 1652-1674: Three wars between Dutch and English - England annexed New Amsterdam

20. Dutch Conflict with French 1667: Louis XIV claimed Spanish Netherlands and Franche-Comte by alleging certain rights of his Spanish wife – overran the Spanish Netherlands with his army Dutch set mechanics of balance of power into motion – Spanish Netherlands served as buffer against France They allied with the English Dutch, English, Swedes formed Triple Alliance; forced Louis XIV to withdraw from Spanish Netherlands 1672: Louis XIV again crossed into Spanish Netherlands and occupied 3 of the 7 provinces

21. Popular support rose for William of Orange (22 yrs old) He was elected stadholder of 6 provinces; they voted to make stadholderate hereditary in the House of Orange William attempted to consolidate power by putting down feudal liberties of the provinces, moving toward an absolute monarchy – but was unsuccessful The United Provinces remained a decentralized patrician republic until 1795

22. William resorted to a new manipulation of the balance of power to hold off Louis XIV He formed an alliance with Denmark and Brandenburg and with the Austrian and Spanish Habsburgs Louis was tired of war and signed Treaty of Nimwegen but it was at the expense of Spain and Holy Roman Empire - Louis took Franche-Comte and some towns in Flanders