1. By: David Hwang Period 4 Thur. 9/22
Compare and contrast the economic factors responsible for the decline of Spain with the economic factors responsible for the decline of the Dutch Republic by the end of the seventeenth century.
By: David Hwang
Period 4
Thur. 9/22

2. Spain
Spain developed an absolutist government due to their strong relations with the church
Religiously intolerant
Strongly Catholic

3. Economic
Spain gained a large amount of its income due to slave labor in mines
Lack of middle class led to domination of the social-political structure by the aristocracy
Public opinion of making money was socially condemned
Large amounts of bullion cause severe inflation

4. Reason For Failure
Severe inflation lacked impact on the aristocrats who continued their lavish lifestyles
Attempted war to get rid of debt
Expelled many of their economic supporters due to religious intolerance
Lacked a solid source of income
Lack of strong central government

5. Dutch
Was experiencing a “golden age” due to the Peace of Westphalia allowing for development
Was a Confederation
Practiced religious toleration
Fishing and trading were prime exports

6. Economic Had a strong fiscal standpoint in trade
Attracted a great deal of foreign capital and investment
Had one of the first banks(bank of Amsterdam)
Dutch East India Company allowed Dutch prestige in commerce and trade

7. Reasons for Failure
Involving itself in war with the English and French proved detrimental toward the Dutch economy
The war of Spanish Succession led to little gain for its great cost

8. Compare and Contrast Spain Dutch Compare
Both got economically powerful
War contributed to downfall
Economic downfall at economic high points.
Contrast
Inflation caused economic difficulty.
Aristocracy made it a bad social thing to getting money.
Compare
Both got economically powerful
War contributed to downfall
Economic downfall at economic high points
Contrast
Allowed Jews
Fishing and trade was major source of income.