The Dutch

Question 1

Political reasons why they came

Answer 1

• The Netherlands became part of the Spanish Empire in 1517 when a Dutch prince became ruler of Spain. The Dutch thus had a legitimate right to be in the Caribbean.
• When the Dutch began a war for their independence (1566 – 1648) with a twelve-year truce (1609 – 1621) they sought to attack Spain at the source of her wealth in the Caribbean.
• According to the Papal Bulls (Treaty of Tordesillas 1498), Dutch entry into the Caribbean was Illegal

Question 2

Religion/Social reason they came

Answer 2

Early in the 16th century the Dutch broke away from the Roman Catholic faith and became Protestants. They no longer had to obey the Pope because he was not head of their Church and they did not regard the Caribbean as a closed sea to them.

Question 3

Economic reasons they came

Answer 3

• The search for salt brought the Dutch into the Caribbean. Salt was needed for:
  a. Domestic consumption
  b. Re-export
  c. Preservation of fish
• The basis of the Dutch economy was the sea and catch from the sea. When England and Spain were at war the Dutch could not get salt from Portugal (Spain neighbours) because their ships would be seized.
• They found salt at Pinta del Araya in Venezuela