The Wealth of Nations · Character
The Dutch
Holland's merchants lend at two percent, trade on thinner profits than anyone in Europe, and still hold the carrying trade of France in their hands.
supporting
Also known as the Dutch, The Dutch, themselves, theirs, their
First appearance: ii of restraints upon the importation from foreign countries of such goods as can be produced at home
As a supporting figure in The Wealth of Nations, The Dutch is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Implied in the discussion of Holland's economy.
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With The Portuguese (rivalry): The Dutch and the Portuguese are rivals in global trade and colonial…
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See The Dutch in ii of restraints upon the importation from foreign countries of such goods as can be produced at homeCharacter Web
10 connectionsA slice of how The Dutch sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Rivalry
- Other
Character groups
- European national examples
- Labor and wage dynamics
- Ancient authorities and examples
+5 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This passage marks the story's dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Smi…
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Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- The Portuguese
rivalry · negative
The Dutch and the Portuguese are rivals in global trade and colonial competition. How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See The Dutch in ii of restraints upon the importation from foreign countries of such goods as can be produced at homeIn the story
The Dutch appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
- IX: Of the Profits of Stock
- Of the Rise and Progress of Cities and Towns, After the Fall of the Roman Empire
- I: Of the Unreasonableness of Those Restraints Even Upon the Principles of the Commercial System
- Of Colonies
- Of the Motives for Establishing New Colonies
- II: Causes of the Prosperity of New Colonies
Chapter companion notes
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See The Dutch in ii of restraints upon the importation from foreign countries of such goods as can be produced at home