Dutch Discoveries

Dutch Trade and Commerce and Their Impact on the Netherlands The Netherlands, a country located in the western part of Europe, is perhaps best known for its cheese, windmills, and tulips. But as much as the country is renowned for its tourist attractions and cultural landmarks, it is equally notable for its important influence in international trade and commerce. From the Dutch East India Company to the present day, the Netherlands has played a pivotal role in the commerce of Europe and beyond for centuries. Today, its contributions remain a source of both economic growth and international prestige. The Dutch presence in global commerce began as far back as the 16th century when the Dutch East India Company was formed. As the world’s first cooperative, the Dutch East India Company opened trade routes to multiple ports in the Far East, ultimately accounting for 40% of the world’s trade. The company had all of the elements necessary to conduct large-scale commerce such as a merchant ban...

The Historical Significance of Dutch Seaports The Netherlands may be a small country, but its impact on global trade has been immense. As one of the earliest and most important seafaring and trading nation, the Dutch have long relied on their seaports and river ports as major hubs of commercial activity and economic development. This article will explore the fascinating history of Dutch seaporting, as well as its modern-day importance in the Netherlands and worldwide. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the Dutch Republic emerged as a powerful maritime and trading nation. The Netherlands was the only Europe nation to have significant Caribbean colonies at the time and the Dutch West India Company provided an essential connection to these far flung territories. The possession of vast overseas colonies meant that the Dutch port cities had to expand and develop to accommodate the increased trade and commerce that these distant colonies generated. The strategic location of Dutch seaports wa...

The Influence of the Dutch Language on English As cultures mix and immigrants find new homelands around the world, languages often blend together to give rise to new dialects, phraseologies and words. In the United States, English and Dutch have had an interesting relationship for over four centuries. The Dutch language has had an influence on American English due to the numerous Dutch settlers that have populated much of the country. In this article, we will explore the history of the Dutch influence on English and examine the types of words used in American English that are derived from Dutch. Historical Background The Dutch first touched the shores of the United States in the 1600s, when the Dutch colony of New Netherland was established in present-day New York. The Dutch settlement of New Netherland spanned parts of modern-day New York, New Jersey, Delaware and a few other states. It was settled by the Dutch West India Company and soon provided a foothold for the Dutch trade pre...