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Jan 1, 1566
The Start of the Dutch Revolt
Beforehand, the Netherlands is under the control of Spain. At this time, Charles V, passed on his throne to his son, Philip II of Spain. Philip II, raised in Spain, did not speak Dutch or French and was not able to have "empathy" for the Dutch, like Charles V did at times. Under the control of Philip II, the Dutch faced "heavy taxes" and "protestant suppression". The tension and conflict sparked the war for Dutch Independence. -
Jan 1, 1581
The Netherlands Declare Independence
In 1579 a number of the northern provinces of the Low Countries signed the Union of Utrecht, where they promised to support each other against the Spanish army. In 1581, the Act of Abjuration was the declaration of independence of the provinces from Philip II. -
The Dutch East India Company Founded
The company, Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie in Dutch (VOC), was created, primarily for trade, but also to aid Dutch in their war against Spain. The company prospered for many years, spreading Dutch influence around the world. The success of the company was due to trade winds. Because of these winds, it was quicker to travel from South Africa to Asia, than sailing up the coast of East Africa. To date, the Dutch East India Company is the largest in history (with inflation). -
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Dutch Golden Age
During this period of time, the Dutch became a world power. -
The VOC Becomes Largest European Company
The Dutch East India Company had a much support from the Dutch government. It operated over 1500 trade ships, and provided employment for millions of people. The company transported cloth from India and porcelain from China. The discovery of gold and silver in the Americas powered European-Asian trade. The Dutch East India Company played a leading role in the creation of the modern trade system. -
The Dutch Establish a Settlement in Present Day Cape Town
Although this brought great wealth to the Dutch, this settlement was the first of its kind in South Africa. The settlement in Cape Town introduced white settlement, and black slaves that plagued South Africa -
Colonists in Africa Nearly Starve
The Dutch colonists relied on shipments of food from Amsterdam. At this time, there wasn't much farming happening in the colony because of infertile land. While waiting on more food from the Netherlands, the colonists were on the brink of starvation. -
The French Attack The Settlement
In 1660s, the French and the British began to show more and more interest in the Netherlands' colony. The location was ideal because of its proximity to the Indian Ocean. The French invaded Holland in 1672, but first gained control of the Dutch colony. -
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The Batavian Republic
This is the period of time when the French gain control over the Dutch. Although an independent republic, the government was based off of the France, and was bound to the country by alliance. -
Britain Takes the Colony
Britain gains control of the colony by force. The country does this in retaliation for the Netherlands having a relationship with France, since Britain was at war with them at the time. They utilize the colony mostly as a pit stop between Britain and India, the country's "Jewel in the Crown". -
The Dutch East India Company Charter is Revoked
Despite the popularity and wealth of the Dutch East India Company, it was eventually shut down by the Dutch government. The company fell into deep debt, which started with the loss of their post in Taiwan. Lower margins and higher competition with the British were also contributing factors. Ultimately, the fourth Anglo-Dutch war and the occupation of Amsterdam by France lead to the deep debt which the company could not recover. So, the Batavian Republic allowed the charter to expire. -
The English Gain Control of Dutch Colony
The English took advantage of the Dutch weakness during the Napoleonic Wars. They had already strategically taken control of a port vital to the Cape. They set off towards the capital and when the governor refused to cooperate, they threatened force. The colony surrendered to the British and a truce was officially negotiated back in Europe. The truce broke down and after a long battle the Dutch surrendered again. The British than had full control of the colony.
