The Dutch Republic Emerges: Wars, Trade, and Colonization

This chapter provides historical context on the emergence of the Dutch Republic in the 1500s, its control of the northern coast, and its transformation into a major commercial nation. It also discusses the changing dynamic of European powers in the Far East, the creation of the Dutch East India Company (VOC), and its revolutionary characteristics. The chapter introduces Abel Tasman, his early life and career with the VOC, and his involvement in trade and exploration in the far east.