1. An Englishman gave the colony its start. 2. The Dutch settled tiny Governors Island before Manhattan. Peter
Minuit’s “purchase” of Manhattan, May 1626. 3. Contrary to legend, the Dutch didn’t buy Manhattan for $24. 4. Manhattan was a melting pot even then. Scroll to Continue
Dutch governor Peter Stuyvesant surrenders New Amsterdam to the British, September 8, 1664. 5. The Dutch gave up the colony without a fight. 6. Signs of New Netherland are still visible. Why were the Dutch interested in the new world?The primary motivation for Dutch settlement of this area was financial—the country wanted to add to its treasury. To this end, Dutch traders formed powerful alliances with Native Americans based on the trade of beaver pelts and furs. Farmers and merchants followed. Success was short-lived, however.
What was the Dutch interested in why did they come to America?Many of the Dutch immigrated to America to escape religious persecution. They were known for trading, particularly fur, which they obtained from the Native Americans in exchange for weapons.
What were the Dutch most interested in?Dutch traders were more interested in financial return than exploration or national glory, so they were as happy to be ferrying French trade goods as they were establishing their own colonies, and their explorations were never as extensive as those of other European powers.
Why did the English want to take New Netherland?Settlers were attracted to the colony's promises of freedom of worship, local self-government, and free land that would remain tax-exempt for ten years.
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