Dutch dbq 1650-1713

             During the period of 1650 to 1713, the Dutch Republic was exposed to numerous challenges. These challenges gave way for a shift of power over control of the sea to occur, from the Dutch to the English. During the late 17th century, the Dutch Republic heavily depended on the sea routes for trade and financial necessities. With the shift of power that occurred, the Dutch Republic began to crumble and with it their security, unity, and prosperity. A once formidable commercial, financial, and naval power, the Dutch were reduced to rubble after the English/French got through with them.
             The problems started in 1651 when the revolutionary government in England passed a Navigation Act. These acts, which might be seen as the basis for the British colonial empire, had aims against the Dutch carrying trade. It provided that goods imported into England and its dependencies must be brought in English ships or in ships belonging to the country exporting the goods. Since the Dutch weren't great producers or exporters, they depended on transporting goods from other countries to make a living. They saw these navigation acts as threats to their economic existence, because now only English ships and ships from the exporting country could transport cargo, thereby defeating the purpose the Dutch had of "carrying" the cargo. Between 1652 and 1674 the Dutch were open to most of Europe, since they had trade routes through the North Sea, Baltic Sea, and the English Channel (Document 1:Dutch Republic and Rival States in the Late 17th century). The Navigation acts would sever many of these sea routes and the percent of voyages by Dutch ships decreased from about 60% to 30% in 30 years (Document 2: Baltic Sea Trade). With this, the trade that the Dutch had would be eradicated and along with it, their economy.
             Another challenge that the Dutch had to face was the growing competition in trade between many of the European powers such as the English, French, and the Portuguese (Document 13: Dutch Colonial Administrator).