The historic state that lasted from 1579 to 1795 and comprised most of the area of the present kingdom of the Netherlands. It was recognized as an independent state by Spain at the conclusion of the Dutch Revolts (1648) and power was subsequently shared between the Holland and Zeeland patricians and the statholder princes of Orange. During its “golden age” before 1700, the United Provinces developed the vast Dutch empire, Dutch merchants traded throughout the world, and the arts flourished. The United Provinces gave refuge to religious refugees, especially Portuguese and Spanish Jews and French Huguenots, who made a notable contribution to the country’s prosperity. A series of wars was fought against England and France in the 18th century. The commercial and military fortunes of the Netherlands declined as those of England and France improved. When between 1794 and 1795 France overran the country during the French Revolutionary wars, there was a Dutch popular movement, inspired by the ideas of the Enlightenment, that was ready to overthrow the ruler, William V of Orange, and to set up a Batavian Republic (1795–1806) under French protection in place of the United Provinces.