Dutch Colonialism

Dutch colonialism was the period when the Netherlands established control over territories around the world from the 17th to 19th centuries, primarily for trade and economic gain. The Dutch built a global trading empire, founding key ports like Batavia (Jakarta) and controlling regions in Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, Africa, and South America. They engaged in resource extraction, established commercial hubs, and influenced local societies through economic and cultural exchanges. Dutch colonialism was characterized by a focus on profit-making, sometimes leading to exploitation, but also contributed to global trade networks and cultural interactions.