The Dutch Republic was one of the most influential and powerful nations in 1650. Of the seven provinces that made up the republic, Holland was the wealthiest with its merchant city of Amsterdam, a major trading center in Europe at the time. From 1650 to 1713, the Dutch's ineffective ways of maintaining security during wars and keeping up its opulence during this time of conflict caused another problem, maintaining harmony.

The Dutch's lack of defense during times of war proved ineffective and threatening as well. In document 1, it shows many naval battles taking place along Dutch trade routes with England. These battles proved crucial because the victor gained control not only over the trade routes, but over slaves, spices, and other luxury goods that came from the trade route as well. In Document 5, an anonymous pamphlet written in Holland in 1669, stated that the government must not only protect the country from...