The Dutch colonial empire in the 17th and 18th century comprised of overseas colonies, enclaves, and offices controlled by the Dutch trading companies under the auspices of the United Provinces of the Netherlands (1581 - 1795), primarily this refers to the Dutch West India Company and Dutch East India Company. Although these companies will in some cases be de facto countries within the country, it is undeniable that they made the Netherlands the first modern economy in the world. Unlike other competing countries such as England, France and Spain, the Netherlands did not undertake large and expansive expeditions, but maintained its influence through the control of maritime routes, placing its outlets at strategically important points, such as seaways and straits. With few exceptions, most of the overseas possessions of the Dutch colonial empire consisted of fortifications, factories and settlements near the coastline with differing degree of integration with the outback. This is a reflection of the fact that to the Dutch, the primary objective was trade, not control over land. Such an economic strategy has enabled the Netherlands to enjoy long-term prosperity in world trade, and also this has had an impact on the general cultural situation in the country. This period of universal prosperity was designated as "Dutch Golden Age" and lasted through the first half of the 17th century. In the second half there was a gradual collapse of the colonial empire due to a series of wars with England in which the Netherlands lost many colonies and monopolies. Nonetheless, some parts of the empire have remained to this day part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and are reminiscent of the once glorious Dutch colonial past.