Why Did the Dutch and English Fight?
- Trade Competition:
- Both wanted control over spices (pepper,
cloves), textiles, and indigo in Asia.
- The Dutch dominated Indonesia (East
Indies), while the English focused on India.
- Revenge Against Spain & Portugal:
- The Dutch hated Spain (who ruled
them) and its ally Portugal.
- They targeted Portuguese colonies in Asia (e.g.,
capturing Amboyna in 1605).
Key Event: Amboyna Massacre
(1623)
- What Happened?
- Dutch tortured and killed 10 Englishmen and 9
Japanese in Amboyna (Indonesia).
- Accused them of plotting to seize the Dutch fort.
- Result:
- Turned rivalry into open warfare.
- English vowed to weaken Dutch power in Asia.
Compromise of 1667
- Deal:
- British left Indonesia (let
Dutch control spices).
- Dutch left India (let
British focus on Indian trade).
- Outcome:
- Dutch monopolized spice trade in
Indonesia.
- British expanded in India, trading cotton,
silk, opium.
Why Was the Rivalry So Bitter?
- Dutch Motives:
- Crush Portuguese/Spanish influence (enemies of
Dutch independence).
- Control the East Indies (Indonesia)
for spices.
- English Ambitions:
- Break Dutch monopoly to profit from Asian trade.
Trade Goods
- Dutch Focus:
- Indonesia: Black pepper, cloves, nutmeg.
- India: Silk, cotton, indigo, rice, opium
(shipped to Southeast Asia).
- English Focus:
- India: Textiles, opium, indigo (sold
globally).
Legacy
- Dutch: Became the spice kings of
Indonesia but lost influence in India.
- British: Used India as a base to build their
empire, leading to colonial rule.
Fun Fact: The Dutch
"retired" from India but became so rich from spices that they
built canals and tulip markets back home! 🌷