Dutch Golden Age: Prior to 1568, the Dutch had been under the rule of Philip II of Spain. Spain had grown in size and power since the acquisition of colonies in the Americas. The Dutch however, wanted their independence. In 1604, the Dutch Republic developed into their own independent state. They benefited from the increased trade and port cities the Spanish had earlier maintained, giving the Dutch Republic an advantage and would lead to the later creation of the Dutch East India Company, a major player in global trade. Additionally, the Dutch had an advantage due to their relationship with the Japanese as well. While Japan had closed its ports to most European powers, the Dutch were allowed limited trading rights within the Asian empire. The advantages of trade and access to resources and luxury goods would usher in a “Golden Age” in the Dutch Republic in which the arts and science flourished. write a one to two sentence Main Idea: