Dutch and British Exceptionalism in 17th Century Europe - Lecture 3

Explore the unique historical factors that led Great Britain and the Netherlands to resist absolutist rule in 17th century Europe in this 47-minute lecture from Yale University's European Civilization course. Examine the influence of a large middle class, national traditions of resistance, anti-Catholicism, and mercantile culture on shaping these countries' distinct political paths. Delve into the Dutch Republic's sea trade-focused infrastructure and its impact on daily life as reflected in Dutch paintings. Gain insights into how anti-absolutism became intertwined with national identity in both nations, setting them apart from their absolutist European counterparts.

- Chapter 1. Shared Character of the English and Dutch States: The Large Urban Middle Class .
- Chapter 2. Anti-Absolutism in the Collective Consciousness: National Identity and Political Origins .
- Chapter 3. Anti-Catholicism and Anti-Absolutism .
- Chapter 4. The Canals of the Dutch Republic: A State Built around Sea Trade .
- Chapter 5. Representations of Dutch Life in Painting: Emphasis on the Everyday .