The dutch empire rose to prominence in the 17th century. It controlled numerous outposts and enclaves across the coastlines all the way to India through South Africa using the Portuguese model. They had particular influence in the cape town of south Africa.
They saw themselves in the Enlightenment tradition, had faith in science and reason and believed in progress. The desire for social change shaped the Enlightenment debate about God, and led many to reject divine authority.
