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The “Golden Age” during the seventeenth century was a period of unparalleled power, wealth, and splendour in the Netherlands. It was made possible by the maritime trade with Asia and the economic growth the East India Company brought to the country. But it carried the seed of its downfall. As the rich grew richer they not only speculated with tulips, but they increasingly bought themselves political power and became an oligarchy. Bas van Babel is an economic historian and researcher who looks at the fascinating relationship between markets and societies. We speak about how the Black Death shaped Europe, how important Church Law was for the development of a middle class, the different development of eastern and western Europe, and about the beginnings of capitalism. In fact, we have so much to talk about that we will have to speak about Bas’s present work in a part two!

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