preview

How Did The Dutch Empire Influence Latin America

Decent Essays

The Dutch colonization of Latin America is nothing less than a phenomenon. Against all odds the Dutch empire rose to colonial prominence in the latter sixteenth century and early seventeenth century throughout much of Asia, South America and the Caribbean. Coming into their success from a vast trading network the Dutch had to navigate the murky waters of the countries within the triangle alliance, consisting of France, England and, Spain. Ultimately, these three countries with their enormous militaries, naval fleets and, wealth were able to surpass the Dutch as the decades elapsed. However, despite these great odds the influence the Dutch empire had on Latin America is immense. One of the many odds the Dutch overcame was the massive protective legislation of the triangle alliance countries as well as, for at least a short …show more content…

The seventy or so years before these laws were enacted (the British navigation acts were first enacted in 1651) the Dutch began to build a monumental empire focused on sugar and slave trading. The Dutch West Indies company was chartered in 1621 to give monopoly to the Dutch in the trade market of the Caribbean, Brazil and, Africa, thus restricting the trade of more powerful countries. According to Pieter C. Emmer, a Dutch historian at Leiden University in the Netherlands, one major reason the Dutch were such successful traders and colonizers was because “ Dutch traders were known all over to offer lower freight rates and a better array of trade goods at lower prices than any of their competitors”, thus leading to a stronghold in the region by virtue of trade (Emmer 341). In addition to their powerful trade markets and shipping capabilities some early victories in the sea led to even more

Get Access