Netherlands

Definition

The Netherlands, also known as Dutch, were involved in early exploration and colonization of North America during the 17th century, most notably establishing New Netherland which included parts of present-day New York.

Related terms

New Netherland: A 17th-century colony established by Dutch West India Company in Northeastern America, later becoming English colonies of New York and New Jersey.

Dutch West India Company: A chartered company of Dutch merchants that had monopoly over trade in Americas and Africa.

Patroon System: A system used by the Dutch to encourage colonization in New Netherland through granting large tracts of land along with manorial rights to individuals who would finance and settle people on them.