The revolutionary developments in the Netherlands at the end of the 18th century took place against the background of a major international movement.
There was a changing way of thinking in Europe, inspired by the ‘enlightened’ ideas of freedom, tolerance, civil rights, human rights.
After economic globalization as a result of colonial trade capitalism, it was now time in the 18th century to unify the world politically.
Copper engraving, published by Covens & Mortier in 1745
World map from 1745. The democratic revolutions of the 18th century had the great ideal of creating ‘political unity’ in the world. From patriotism there was an extraordinary international focus: it was about humanity, essentially equal, anywhere in the world.
