Influence of Calvinism on the development of modern economy in the Netherlands in XVI and XVII century

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Abstract
Calvinism is a religious movement that influenced the formation of the Dutch State from the Roman Catholic Spanish possession. The emergence of Protestantism orchestrated the separation of the Netherlands states from the Spanish ruling. The Reformed Church’s contribution at the time of the Golden Age of the Netherlands in the 16th and the 17th C were significant. The utilitarianism and beliefs of the Calvinists enabled the establishment of capitalism and usury in Netherlands. Furthermore, they triggered the establishment of accessible and free education to all, unlike the Spanish rule which only considered the aristocrats and the elites in their education system. Social provisions and diversification of religious disciplines were made possible by this movement. This paper provides insight into the contribution Calvinism had in the growth of the economy of Netherlands in 16th and 17th centuries. It addresses the issues on the lanes of religious disciplines, education, social provisions and structure and strengths of the Dutch State.
Influence of Calvinism on the Development of Modern Economy in the Netherlands in XVI and XVII Century
Introduction
From its separation from the Spanish control, the Dutch State has experienced tremendous improvement within its economic sector. Notably, from the 16th to the 17th C marked the country’s Golden Age, which saw the country develop and realize its first modern economic growth. The Reformed Church dominated the country during this period although the Catholics formed the largest percentage of the state.

The reforms, as well as beliefs of John Calvin, lead to the formation of Reformed Churches that had a different view of humanity as well as leadership. Even though the Roman Catholic refuted their conventional methods and beliefs, their contribution to the growth of the economy was significant. However, the industrious culture of their religious practice coupled with their belief in financial success as being a God-given gift made it possible for many elites to convert to Calvinism. Due to Calvinists’ efforts capitalism was introduced in Netherlands. Usury was allowed among the Calvinists, unlike the Catholics who prohibited lending of money at some interests. These actions by the Calvinists orchestrated growth of trade in the counties in which this religion was dominant. Other than Reformed Church influence, the non-bureaucratic and partially decentralized structure of the Dutch state immensely contributed to the economic growth. Further introduction of universal education boosted the involvement in income generating activities during the two centuries. It is, therefore, relevant to attribute the massive economic growth of Netherlands during 16th and 17th century to the Reformed Church. In this paper, the writer shall discuss how Calvinism impacted Netherland’s modern economic development during the 16th-17th C. The first and second sections shall deal with structure and strength of the Dutch State followed by a discussion of the Dutch State in terms of religious discipline, social provisions and education in the third, fourth and fifth parts respectively.
Analysis of Structure and Strength of the Dutch State
The Dutch State had a monarchy that was being led by the Spanish rulers. The administration of the State could not be said to be purely central nor was it bureaucratic. However, the organization of the leadership of King Phillip II of Spain largely was refuted the Calvinists movement. The separation of several counties from the Spanish possession made it easier for the movement to gain more momentum. Due to the Reformed Church’s insurgence within the state, the establishment of political parties in religious lines started. The Reformed Church grew in popularity, and it strengthened the economic abilities of the counties from which it had its roots. The rural areas slowly started becoming urbanized. Fishing and other agricultural practices became widely practiced due to the enterprising belief of the Calvinists. Their belief that financial success is a Godly act that represents hard work fostered the growth of trade and consequently the economy of the Dutch State (Calvin 27a). Calvinism was however not fully endorsed as the only known religion of the country. The structure of the political system of this state changed as a result, and their multiparty democracy dominated the subsequent elections. Calvinism led to the formation of Anti-Revolutionary Party (ARP). This party denounced the principals of the French revolution in Netherlands. According to their perceptions, state power was given by God to whomever He deemed fit for the position to lead others. Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) emerged after the joining of both the Catholics and Protestants to form one party (Calvin 163b). This party uses the Bible as their inspiration and has since dominated the politics in the Dutch State for long (Calvin 175c). They advocated for shared responsibilities in the society and organization for equality to be achieved in the nation.
The Calvinism beliefs improved the leadership standards of the Netherlands. The strengths in the organization of the state changed to the positive hence impacting on the entire society. Due to the introduction of capitalism and multiparty democracy in the country, there has been tremendous improvement witnessed in both the economy and the political system of the state. The organizational approaches the Reformed Church used to champion for its popularity in the 16th to 17th century strengthened the country’s economic development. Further, the strengths of the Dutch State were found in its ability to hold a diversified ethnic group and distinct religious practices in one unity. Thus, the influence of all the religious affiliations in the country was felt by governing bodies of the country. The judiciary, legislature and executive though distinct in functions, their structure was influenced and strengthened by the religious groups especially Calvinism that also influenced most of the developments in the institutional structures and the economy of the country.
Strength and structure of the Dutch State were found on the revolutionary campaigns the Calvinism articulated. The Reformed Church’s activities within the country resulted in several positive impacts on the citizens’ wellbeing. The ambition and zeal to uphold the hard work as articulated in the Bible made it easier for the trade and agriculture to flourish in the Dutch State (Calvin 176c). Furthermore, the emergence of Calvinists changed the scope of the organization in the state. Room was created for the Protestants in areas where they were dominant. The prowess of the Spanish leadership became impaired as the movement gained momentum towards the beginning of the seventeenth century. Due to the effect of the two opposing religious forces, the organizational structure of the politics as well as leadership in Netherlands had considerably evolved. Since the country operated in a monarchy system, democracy to carry out a constitutionally recognized election took the time to begin. However, the reformation of churches in the Dutch State made it possible for the formation of political parties that entered into campaigns to lobby for support from their followers (Calvin 159b).
The Dutch State regarding Religious Discipline
Before the revolt against Spain, the Netherlands was under the Spanish that embraced Roman Catholic faith. However, the Dutch citizens professed a mixture of faiths with some practicing Catholicism while others were Protestants. Since their separation from the Roman Catholic the Protestant churches during the early ages before the Golden Age experienced noticeable improvements in regards to their religious corporation. The Protestants mainly the Calvinists were the major instigators of economic growth due to their utilitarian spirit (De Vries and Woude 232). In the 16th century, there were tremendous changes brought by the Reformed Churches in Netherlands. However, since the Catholic Church had different cultures from the Calvinists it made it harder for gradual/drastic changes to be initialized in the religious discipline in the country. Development became more evident making the country to have one of the first urbanized county, Holland County. The distribution of the religious disciplines across the counties in the country enabled the growth of the country in a more diversified religion composition.
Protestantism spread to the northern provinces of the country triggering hostility with the king’s ruling. Furthermore, the Catholics, Lutherans, and the Calvinists had different religious practices. The hostility of the Protestants towards the Roman Catholics created a difference in their spiritual disciplines in the Dutch State. The beliefs of the Calvinists that the apocalypse is near and that they should not live in the old ways triggered the development of a movement that became dominant in late 15th century (Israel 18). These beliefs appealed to many people and the middles class as well as some of the nobles joined the Calvin movement making it gain popularity and therefore, had the thrust needed to supersede the Roman Catholic. Given the industrious nature and the authentication of trade including lending, Calvinism influenced the growth of commercial enterprises within the country. Therefore, the majority of the Dutch societies became enterprising, and the conversion of rural areas to urbanized and modern cities became rampant. These developments were due to the larger influence of Calvinism through its leadership and governance by the end of the 17th century which had become the dominant religion in Netherlands (De Vries and Woude 304).
The Dutch society though composed of diversified religions had rules on worshiping. The Calvinists did not support the idea of using the crucifixes in areas of worship. The objection of several religious practices by the Calvinists changed some aspects in the Dutch society. According to the beliefs of the Calvin’s, it was illegal for the use of crosses in public. These beliefs were carried on even after they dominated the leadership of the state. The Roman Catholic churches were not allowed to worship publicly while the Lutherans were allowed to do so but under the restrictions of the Calvinists. These driven the country towards the use of a single religious practice but it was not successful. Since most of the core beliefs of the Calvinists were based on the Bible, their influence grew widely making the whole nation align itself to most of their beliefs. Among the core issues is a utilitarian spirit that led to the emergence of capitalism (Weber 67). Furthermore, the secularization of some of the Protestant churches made it easier to acquire labor hence growing the agribusiness in the country.
The emergence of Calvinism as the dominant religion in the Netherlands needed tolerance in the society for it to work. However, by that time the Spanish rule under the leadership of King Phillip II was attacking the country from the north. Therefore, the struggle for recognition by Calvinism was intended to free the people from the bondage of the Spanish rule as well as allow religious freedom. For this reason, the governing bodies of Reformed churches used a model that guided their struggle for recognition (totalitarian model). This model was unfeasible as a result of the influence from the Roman Catholic. However, the movement did not retreat but continued to uphold their five major principles that guided their faith.
When the Calvinists occupied the political seats after breaking from the Spanish possession, they dictated much of the religious practices in the country. Their introduction of worshipping rules that prohibited the non-Calvinists from praying publicly affected the religious discipline in the Dutch society (Gorski 57). Furthermore, only the Calvinists occupied the political seats and few Jews making it harder for other religious affiliations to influence the society to a greater extent. The toleration of other religious groups during this time was not fully supported by the leadership of the Calvinists. However, some were persevered but with the limitations of not using crucifixes. For instance, the Lutherans who used crosses were allowed to worship publicly without using them. The Roman Catholics were also allowed to practice their religion in designated places away from the public. This development of restrictions hindered the growth of diversified religious disciplines in the Dutch State. These restrictions were based on the practices of the Calvinism culture and beliefs. The impact was a reduction in the domination of the Roman Catholic in the country giving way for Protestantism.
Although the Spanish rulers consider the reformation of the churches as the emergence of orthodox beliefs, their influence in the growth and the spread of the religious discipline in the Netherlands could not be ignored. They managed to influence the spread of Protestantism in the Dutch society. This was partially responsible for the transformation of the Dutch economy during the Golden Age.
The Dutch State regarding Social Provisions
Social provisions take both private and public forms and range from poor relief, medical help, pensions and welfare state of the society. In the current world, most of these provisions have taken by the national governments and other non-governmental organizations concerned with the well-being of humanity. From the 16th century, these provisions have become the focus of the politics of the Western countries. Since the modernization of states begun, the control of church functions in offering most of the social provisions has been hindered. The earlier times (from the 15th century) the Reformed Churches and the Roman Catholic churches were responsible for providing social services especially poor relief (Calvin 23a). The early churches took full control of providing social services through their institutional consistories. In the Netherlands, the social provisions were supported by both the Protestants and the Roman Catholics. Their contribution to the society in taking care of the less fortunate was significant. The Reformed Church mostly anticipated for social change that can allow social services to be offered to all individuals without limitations. The assistance provided to the society as a means of social responsibility cannot be underestimated.
From the beginning of 15th C, there existed a structured scheme of the destitute reliefs as well as other social services within the country. Charitable foundations were formed from the Reformed Churches. They were financed by the elites who joined the Reformed Churches. Their contribution to the provision of social and humanitarian aid in the events of wars helped the country to continue growing economically. These made it possible for Calvinism to gain more popularity in the north of the country. However, in cases of severe crisis, the municipal authorities would intervene. In the initial years of the 16th C, the customary relief scheme for the needy became incapable of satisfying the societal needs for social services adequately. Therefore there was an absolute need for a new and more coordinated assistance system to offer the services to the people (Gorski 15). Various propositions were made including depriving churches their powers to offer social services to the people. These resulted in a war between the churches and the state that lasted to almost the 20th century. Many of the agencies that were providing social services to the country’s population were church-based while few were private or derived from the state council.
The introduction of Protestantism especially the Calvinism saw the emergence of a movement that opposed the Spanish rule which had neglected the poor. The success and the visions of this movement attracted the middles class and the elites group; hence improving its financial capabilities to serve the society effectively. Moreover, the utilitarian spirit of the Calvinists ensured they include all their members in the development of their states and hence providing the community. The current social provisions in the Netherlands can be said to be borne by the Golden Age efforts of the Reformed Church. Owing to the changes in the political system of the country due to the interference of the religious affiliations, provisions of social services and social welfare became diversified. Churches formed independent bodies (consistories) to oversee and offer assistance in the society as a form of its social responsibility.
After the Reformed Church had acquired privileged position in late 17th century, the services became more accessible to people. The municipal administrators who were by then supposed to be obliged to the Reformed Church did not cooperate. Instead, they placed their political interests above their obligations hence sabotaging the entire program. After the fall of the Calvinism effect due to the introduction of Batavian and the French period (Groski 37), there were efforts to make social services provision a responsibility of the state other than the Reformed Church. There was huge backing for the belief which involved providing the country’s needy citizens with jobs and to be remunerated through the funds obtained from the church. These were the foundations for the division of religion from the government.
For an extended period, social provisions were the duty of the Reformed Church within the country. Their contribution in bettering the lives of the less fortunate in the society was internationally recognized. Many of the developments in this country are all tied to the religious affiliation. The contribution of Calvinism, in particular, enabled the development of cities and enhanced education due to the industrious nature of its followers. They believed in the teachings of the Bible which inspired them to lure more people to the movement. Furthermore, they saw it Godly to offer services to the less fortunate (Weber 25).
The Dutch State regarding Education
Mainstream humanism shaped the views of Calvin’s education system. The Dutch State by then had an education system that mainly offered it to the aristocratic and Roman Catholic elites. Calvin believed that universal education was paramount in understanding the Bible from which most of the Calvinism factors were founded (Calvin 177c). The recognition of the less fortunate in the education system of Netherlands in the late 15th and 16th centuries was not supported by the Spanish rule under Philip II (De Vries and Woude 97). Equality in the education system was thus needed. Irrespective of gender, social class or race, all the persons in the Dutch state needed to be literate for social change to be successful. These were the primary consideration in Calvin’s campaign for reformation in the Netherlands’ schools. Notably, he influenced the formation of the Geneva Academy which consisted of two sections; the College, where basic schooling were undertaken and the Academy that provided university schooling especially in divinity.
The Calvinists initiated the first schooling without cost, and they championed for equal chances in learning for the non-elites as well as non-Catholics as their colleagues. Every kid was regarded or perceived as Lord’s reward and thus equal chances were provided to all of the country’s kids. Catechism became compulsory for all the children. Furthermore, education was seen as the responsibility of the reformed church and the parents. For this reason, the Reformed Church championed for the formation of a system that allowed all children to attend schools in the country (Calvin 84b). The consequences of this were seen later when the economy of the country gradually started rising due to increased literacy levels among the citizens. Under Calvinism, parents were punished for not taking their children to schools since it was made free and accessible to everyone. On a regular basis, but not on many times annually, the church’s leaders would organize meetings with the kids along with their parents or guardians to ascertain their academic as well as religious advancement. These led to the development of intellectuals that facilitated the developments of the rural areas to urban centers. Although the ultimate goal of Calvinism’s education system was to enable the population to have the knowledge of Bible, the expectations were exceeded, and the development of a well-educated and literate society was raised (Calvin 56a). Technical education other than theology was offered in schools which bred a blend of professionals in the society. It aided the economic growth of the Dutch State.
During these centuries, the Dutch education system was meant to prepare people for the ecclesiastical and civil governorship. The Calvinistic approach to education prepared students to both the ministries and the civil governments. The belief that the schools contain seeds of the ministry and leadership and that it should not be contaminated with any weeds dominated in the system during these periods. By the time the Calvinists thoroughly dominate the Dutch State, a substantial portion of the citizens had been educated, and this enabled the smooth running of the government. Furthermore, the developments in counties especially Holland hastened due to the availability of skilled workforce (Israel 40). Additionally, the economic growth was stimulated by the establishment of more commercial businesses and increased in agricultural production. To further push the development, the education system used offered a chance for all classes to have education hence liberating the paupers who needed more assistance to financial freedom through offering labor in the developing cities. Whenever Calvinism gained popularity, there was the establishment of schools and colleges. The majority of the beneficiaries of the developments were those who had been denied the chance to a free education by the Spanish rulers who only considered the elite Roman Catholics and the aristocrats. Technically, the introduction of accessible education was among the contributors of the developments witnessed during the Dutch Golden Age in 16th and 17th centuries. According to the ambitions of the founder of Calvinism, John Calvin, the education system was not only meant for pure religion but social welfare as well (Calvin 13a). Calvinism made it mandatory for all to be knowledgeable not merely a few clerics as well as other spiritual leaders. To him, the development of a spiritually pure society was built on the understanding of the Bible which could be achieved if there was no education to all the people (Calvin 173c).
This period was marked by a tremendous improvement in the economy (infrastructure, agriculture, and entrepreneurship) and education system aided by the increasing literacy levels in the society. Due to the introduction of colleges, schools and other training institutions, it was possible for children to start their education at early ages hence developing their talents and skills in enabling the country thrust forward in diversified fields (Weber 63). Other than Netherlands being founded on a religious system, it still up to date harbors one of the finest architects and the techniques in infrastructure and other development aspects. These advancements are as a result of Protestantism’s impact as well as the inspirations of the Catholic Church in molding the learning structure of the nation. Therefore, education, religious discipline, and social provisions were among the major areas in which Calvinism directly impacted on. In understanding the Bible and interpret it effectively, education was essential (Calvin 59a). Furthermore, the understanding of the social rights and practicing of religious discipline was essential, and learning was the key determinant of their success. Consequently, the structure of the organization of the Dutch State changed due to this effect. It became widely accepted for education to be a universal requirement for growth and development hence cultivating an attitude of learning among members of the different religious affiliations. For these reasons, Netherlands became the first country to have a modern economy.
Conclusion
In summing up, the 16th and the 17th centuries saw the Netherlands improve its economic performance, provision of social services and reformation in the education system. Religious influence was a major contributor to the drastic changes that the emergence of Protestantism from the Roman Catholic. Calvinism, in particular, was a part of the protestant movement that championed for changes in the organization and the ending of the Spanish rule in the Netherlands. The reformed church had its core pillars derived from the Bible. However, the rules by then considered them as orthodox teaching churches. In reality, the Reformed Church was the founder of freedom and equality in education in the Dutch State despite the opposition from the Roman Catholic. At some point, their influence led to the establishment of schools and made it accessible to many of the citizens. These are possibly the reason why there was a boom in the economy during this period. Additionally, the determination and the utilitarian spirit of the Calvinists made it possible for the emergence of farming and other commercial activities in the country. The contribution of these activities in the development of the rural areas to modernized urban cities was thus significant. Education and social provisions are among the issues even to date the religious affiliations have tried to take responsibility of, and as a result, there have been positive impacts in the society. Many people had been educated through such programs and owing to this; developments had been experienced within several regions. Although in general the churches are separated from the states, their involvement in the provision of such services is significant in the growth of any economy. It is, therefore, fundamental for religious groups to support the states in running some of its functions that do not directly touch on the leadership of the countries but the well-being of the society.
Works Cited
Primary Sources
Calvin John. “The Institutes of the Christian Religion.” Edinburgh: Calvin Translation Society, 1846a. <http://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/535. 14 September 2016.,
————-. ‘Reply to Sadoleto’. “In The Protestant Reformation.” ed. Hillerbrand H.J. New York: Harper and Row 1968b. 154-172.
————-. ‘Ecclesiastical Ordinances.’ “In The Protestant Reformation.” ed. Hillerbrand H.J. New York: Harper and Row 1968c. 173-178.
Secondary Sources
De Vries, Jan; van der Woude Ad, “The First Modern Economy. Success, Failure, and Perseverance of the Dutch Empire 1500-1815.” Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1997.
Gorski, Philip G. “The Disciplinary Revolution. Calvinism and the Rise of the State in Early Modern Europe.” Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2003.
Israel, Jonathan I. “The Dutch Republic: Its Rise, Greatness and Fall, 1477–1806,” Oxford University Press, 1995
Weber, Max. “The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism,” 1905.