And the Dutch…
The West Indies Trading Company, commonly known as the Dutch West India Company, was a Dutch chartered company founded in 1621 to conduct trade and economic warfare against Spain and Portugal in the Americas and West Africa. It was granted a monopoly over trade in these regions and played a significant role in the Atlantic slave trade until its dissolution in 1792.
Wikipedia Encyclopedia Britannica
Overview of the Dutch West India Company
The Dutch West India Company (WIC), known in Dutch as Geoctrooieerde Westindische Compagnie, was a chartered company established on June 3, 1621. It operated until January 1, 1792. The company was founded to conduct trade and economic warfare against Spain and Portugal, particularly in the West Indies and South America.
Key Features
Founding and Purpose
Founders: Notable founders included Reynier Pauw, Willem Usselincx, and Jessé de Forest.
Charter: The company was granted a monopoly on trade in the Dutch West Indies by the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands.
Objectives: Its main goals were to eliminate competition from Spanish and Portuguese traders and to establish a profitable trade network.
Operations and Trade
Geographic Scope: The WIC operated in West Africa, the Caribbean, and parts of South America.
Products: The company traded in various goods, including sugar, tobacco, coffee, and enslaved people. It also engaged in privateering against enemy ships.
Colonies: The WIC established several colonies, including Aruba, Curaçao, and parts of Brazil.
Decline and Dissolution
The company faced challenges, including military defeats and financial difficulties. It was reorganized in 1675 but continued to struggle. By the late 18th century, it lost most of its assets and was ultimately dissolved in 1792, with its territories coming under the control of the Dutch government.