In 1602, the States General of the United Provinces of the Netherlands chartered the first commercial company, the Dutch East India Company, and, in so doing, initiated a new wave of globalization. Even though Dutch engagement in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans dates back to the 16th century, it was the dawn of the 17th century that brought the Dutch into the fold of the general movement of European expansion overseas and concomitant globalization. This volume surveys the Dutch participation in, and contribution to, the process of globalization. At the same time, it reassesses the various ways Dutchmen fashioned themselves following the encounter and in the light of increasing dialogue with other societies across the world. As such, Exploring the Dutch Empire offers a new insight into the macro and micro worlds of the global Dutchman in Asia, Africa and the Americas. The result fills a gap in the historiography on empire and globalization, which has previously been dominated by British and, to a lesser extent, French and Spanish cases.

This pioneering history of the Dutch Empire provides a new comprehensive overview of Dutch colonial expansion from a comparative and global perspective. It also offers a fascinating window into the early modern societies of Asia, Africa and the Americas through their interactions.

This volume explores the intellectual history of the Dutch Empire from a long-term and global perspective, analysing how ideas and visions of empire took shape in imperial practice from the seventeenth century to the present day. Through a series of case studies, the volume critically unearths deep-rooted conceptions of Dutch imperial exceptionalism and shows how visions of imperial rule were developed in metropolitan and colonial contexts and practices. Topics include the founding of the Dutch chartered companies for colonial trade, the development of commercial and global visions of empire in Europe and Asia, the continuities and ruptures in imperial ideas and practices around 1800, and the practical making of empire in colonial court rooms and radio broadcasting. Demonstrating the relevance of a long-term approach to the Dutch Empire, the volume showcases how the intellectual history of empire can provide fresh light on postcolonial repercussions of empire and imperial rule. Chapter 1, Chapter 3, Chapter 7 and Chapter 8 of this book are available open access under a CC BY 4.0 license at link.springer.com.

‘This book makes an important contribution to the history of household labour relations in two contrasting societies. It deserves a wide readership.’ —Anne Booth, SOAS University of London, UK ‘By exploring how colonialism affected women’s work in the Dutch Empire this carefully researched book urges us to rethink the momentous implications of colonial exploitation on gender roles both in periphery and metropolis.’ —Ulbe Bosma, the Free University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands ‘In this exciting and original book, Elise van Nederveen Meerkerk exposes how colonial connections helped determine the status and position of women in both the Netherlands and Java. The effects of these connections continue to shape women’s lives in both colony and metropole today.’ —Jane Humphries, University of Oxford, UK Recent postcolonial studies have stressed the importance of the mutual influences of colonialism on both colony and metropole. This book studies such colonial entanglements and their effects by focusing on developments in household labour in the Dutch Empire in the period 1830-1940. The changing role of households’, and particularly women’s, economic activities in the Netherlands and Java, one of the most important Dutch colonies, forms an excellent case study to help understand the connections and disparities between colony and metropole. The author contends that colonial entanglements certainly existed, and influenced developments in women’s economic role to an extent, both in Java and the Netherlands. However, during the nineteenth century, more and more distinctions in the visions and policies towards Dutch working class and Javanese peasant households emerged. Accordingly, a more sophisticated framework is needed to explain how and why such connections were – both intentionally and unintentionally – severed over time.

"Holland: The History of the Netherlands: Unveiling the Rich Tapestry and Enduring Legacy of the Dutch Empire" Embark on a captivating journey through the rich history of the Netherlands, a nation that has profoundly influenced European history and beyond. From its medieval roots to the contemporary era, this comprehensive exploration uncovers the story of a resilient nation with a remarkable cultural heritage and lasting impact. The narrative begins by addressing the dual identity of the Netherlands, often referred to as Holland, owing to its low-lying landscape and intricate history. Delving into the political landscape, it reveals a parliamentary democracy coexisting with a constitutional monarchy, with Amsterdam as the dynamic capital and The Hague serving as the seat of government. Central to the Dutch story is their innovative water management, an engineering triumph that transformed vast areas of lakes and marshes into reclaimed land. With over 2,500 square miles of meticulously managed territory, witness the centuries-old mastery of water control systems, a testament to the Dutch ability to overcome geographical challenges. The thread of social tolerance weaves through the narrative, illustrating the Dutch commitment to progressive values. From the rejection of monarchical domination in the 16th and 17th centuries to modern-day legalizations of "soft-drug" usage, prostitution, and same-sex marriage, the Netherlands stands as a beacon of open-mindedness. As the historical journey unfolds, the narrative navigates the dynamic landscape of the Dutch economy. The Netherlands, in partnership with Belgium and Luxembourg, forms the Benelux economic union. The exploration of the Dutch Republic reveals a small yet powerful trade nation with a sophisticated economy, embodying the nation's reputation for tolerance. Challenges arising from increased immigration, nationalism, and xenophobia in the late 20th and early 21st centuries are also examined. The narrative delves into the Utrecht agreement of 1579, a pivotal moment leading to the formation of the Dutch Republic. Examining the relationships between provinces, especially the roles of Holland and the House of Orange, it traces the emergence of the United Provinces of the Netherlands, also known as the Dutch Republic. The economic pinnacle of the 17th century is explored, marked by the Dutch Republic's military dominance, driven by Holland's wealth and maritime strength. The account encompasses thriving industries such as fishing, shipping, and the famed Tulip Mania. The stadtholderless period, economic stagnation in the 18th century, and the transformative period under French dominance are also detailed. The narrative ventures into the Kingdom of Holland from 1806 to 1813, where Louis Bonaparte's reign brings about a unique era of reconciliation. The subsequent establishment of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1814 sets the stage for the 19th-century journey. King William I's reign, characterized by economic foresight but political conservatism, reflects the complex path toward modernization. Queen Wilhelmina's era witnessed stability and societal changes, leading into the challenges and triumphs of World War I. The narrative navigates through the Netherlands' resilience during World War II and its post-war transformation. Explore the rapid industrialization and societal shifts that characterized the late 20th century, with a nuanced exploration of the challenges faced and triumphs achieved. "Holland: The History of the Netherlands" intricately weaves together political intrigue, economic innovation, and cultural evolution. This panoramic narrative captures the essence of a nation that has left an indelible mark on the global stage, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the rich history that defines the Dutch identity.

What are the most salient and sparking facts about the Netherlands? This updated edition of 'Discovering the Dutch' tackles the heart of the question of Dutch identity through a number of essential themes that span the culture, history and society of the Netherlands. Running the gamut from the Randstad to the Dutch Golden Age, from William of Orange to Anne Frank, this volume uses a series of vignettes written by academic experts in their fields to address historical and contemporary topics such as immigration, tolerance, and the struggle against water, as well as issues of culture - painting, literature, architecture, and design among them. All chapters are written by academic experts in their fields who have extensive experience in explaining the many features of "Dutchness" to a foreign audience. Each chapter comes to life in vignettes that illustrate characteristic historical figures or essential aspects in Dutch culture and society from William of Orange and Anne Frank to Dutch cheese and the inevitable coffeeshop.