The Probert Encyclopaedia of General Information

DUTCH WEST INDIA COMPANY

The Dutch West India Company or Chartered West India Company (Geoctroyeerde Westindische Compagnie) was a company chartered by the States-General of the United Netherlands in 1621, at the instance of Willem Usselinx. It was given a monopoly of trade with America for twenty-four years, with the right to colonize and to make wars and alliances. It colonized and governed New Netherlands (until 1664) and also certain West India islands and a part of Brazil. It was rechartered for twenty-five years in 1647. Its preoccupation with military efforts in Brazil prevented its doing much for New Netherlands.
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