After a bloody war against Spain that would last 80 years, the newly independent Netherlands had emerged into the 17th century. Soon its trade, science, navy, and art were the most acclaimed in the world. It became known as the Dutch Golden Age. It transformed the Netherlands into the foremost maritime and economic superpower.

After a bloody war against Spain that would last 80 years, the newly independent Netherlands had emerged into the 17th century. Soon its trade, science, navy, and art were the most acclaimed in the world. It became known as the Dutch Golden Age. It transformed the Netherlands into the foremost maritime and economic superpower.