History of Dutch slavery in the context of "Dutch Golden Age"

⭐ In the context of the Dutch Golden Age, the significant expansion of Dutch economic power and colonial reach was directly linked to participation in which global system?

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⭐ Core Definition: History of Dutch slavery

The history of slavery in the Netherlands dates back to the period of classical antiquity. During the Roman era, slavery in large parts of the later Netherlands was reflected by the institution of slavery in the Roman Empire.

During the middle ages, the Netherlands was a part of the Carolingian Empire and the Holy Roman Empire, were chattel slavery was gradually replaced by serfdom. Slavery was eventually phased out in the Netherlands itself during the middle ages. However, in parallel with several other European countries, the Netherlands were later to introduce slave labor in their colonies, while slavery was no longer used in the mother country itself.

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👉 History of Dutch slavery in the context of Dutch Golden Age

The Dutch Golden Age (Dutch: Gouden Eeuw [ˈɣʌudən ˈeːu, ˈɣʌudə ˈʔeːu]) was a period in the history of the Netherlands which roughly lasted from 1588, when the Dutch Republic was established, to 1672, when the Rampjaar occurred. During this period, Dutch trade, scientific developments, art and overseas colonisation was among the most prominent in Europe. The first half of the period spanned from the beginning of the Eighty Years' War until its conclusion in 1648, with the second half lasting until the outbreak of the Franco-Dutch War. During the period, Dutch colonialists, many of them affiliated with the East India Company and West India Company, established trading posts and colonies in the Americas, Southern Africa and Asia, protected by the powerful Dutch States Navy. The Dutch also dominated the triangular trade and Atlantic slave trade during this period.

Dutch culture flourished during this period as well. However, by the end of the 17th century, conflicts with neighbouring powers as well as declining economic influence led to the end of this period. The process by which the Dutch Republic became one of the foremost maritime and economic powers of the world during the era has been referred to as the "Dutch Miracle" by historian K. W. Swart. The term "Dutch Golden Age" has been controversial in the 21st century due to the extensive Dutch involvement in slavery and colonialism during the period, and it has been deprecated by several museums in the Netherlands, including the Amsterdam Museum.

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