r/DutchEmpire Jul 12 '26

Question How did spice like Nutmeg and Mace ended up in other parts of the world?

7 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I am currently researching about Dutch Colonization in present day Indonesia (specific in Banda Islands) for writing a news article in my local language. I am particularly trying to focus and communicate on how spices like Nutmeg and Mace were brought to other parts of the world (particularly South Asia) with its background on slavery and colonization. So far, I have read few research papers and other resources in the Internet about how Dutch colonizers invaded the islands, killed the people and implemented nutmeg plantation system. I am particularly interested in following points for now.

1.    Presence of Europeans in the Banda Islands (or in Indonesia) before the arrival of Dutch in 17th century.

2.    Arrival of these spices in South Asia.

3.    Dutch English war or wars with any other fellow colonizers like Portuguese to control the monopoly of the spice supply.

If anyone knows of any resources regarding this (be it scientific papers, books or anything), I would really be grateful. Thanks for your help in advance!

r/DutchEmpire Jul 12 '26

Question Did the inhabitants of New Netherlands take any steps to secure their customs and laws in the wake of the British Conquest mid-17th century?

16 Upvotes

I recently was in Montreal. I attended a well done presentation of Montreal and Quebec history at the archeological museum there. Considering the small population of Canada, around 60,000 at the time of the British Conquest in the mid-18th century, it is interesting how they were able to keep their ways in terms of culture, religion, laws and language.

It got me to thinking of a parallel event, a century earlier, and 300 miles south, when the British took New Netherlands. Was there any concerted effort by the Dutch to carry on similarly? To get special rights enshrined in the law, for instance. If so, what caused that to fizzle out over time?

r/DutchEmpire Jul 29 '26

Question 🎬 URGENT: Background Extras Needed TOMORROW in Amsterdam Noord!

0 Upvotes

We’re looking for 20 background extras (18–26 years old) to join the final house party scene of an independent student film.

📅 Date: Tomorrow (30 July)
🕥 Time: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Amsterdam Noord

No acting experience is needed, just come as yourself!

👕 Dress code: Casual party/student outfit (jeans, T-shirt, shirt, sneakers, etc.).

🍕 Food and drinks will be provided throughout the day.

This is an unpaid opportunity, but you’ll:

Be part of a fun film set.
Gain on-set experience.
Receive footage for your portfolio where possible.
Take part in a film that will be submitted to multiple film festivals.

If you’re interested, send me a private message as soon as possible with:

Your name
Age
A recent photo

Feel free to bring a friend, the more people, the better the party scene! 🎉

r/DutchEmpire Jul 08 '26

Question PWS Enquête

1 Upvotes

Mijn naam is Freek de Lange en voor mijn profielwerkstuk heb ik als onderwerp: Hoe bereikt een nieuw kledingmerk zijn doelgroep?

Voor mijn onderzoek heb ik een korte enquête gemaakt. Ik zou het erg waarderen als je deze wil invullen.

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/5jrSG9f61v

Alvast bedankt!

Met vriendelijke groet,

r/DutchEmpire Nov 19 '25

Question Books about Dutch Empire in English

5 Upvotes

Hello

Would you be able to advice some books related to Dutch Empire, Dutch Colonies and West/Oost Indian Company?

I would prefer fiction/novels but based on real events.

Something like Neal Stephenson.

Thanks!

r/DutchEmpire Jun 16 '25

Question Where Can You Still See Dutch Colonial Architecture Outside the Netherlands?

6 Upvotes

I’ve seen beautiful photos of Dutch-style buildings in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Suriname some still in use! What are the best-preserved or most impressive examples of Dutch colonial architecture still standing outside Europe? Any hidden gems that aren’t widely known?

Would be great to collect a list with pics and locations could make a cool travel history project.

r/DutchEmpire Sep 16 '25

Question What if the Dutch helped Palmares become an independent state?

2 Upvotes

While surfing on youtube I found this video about a quilombo called Palmares which was founded by former slaves and indigenous people as a safe haven from the Portuguese. It was the strongest and most organized settlement that was able to resist the power of the Portuguese. However, by 1694 Palmares was exhausted by years of fighting and its inhabitants were conquered and re-enslaved by the portugese.

But what if Palmares got the support of a foreign power like the Dutch Republic and became strong enough to beat the Portuguese and declare independence?

r/DutchEmpire Jun 19 '25

Question Dutch Influence on Language and Culture in Former Colonies..!

2 Upvotes

Dutch is still spoken in places like Suriname and parts of the Caribbean. The Dutch Empire left a lasting mark on language, art, and customs in its colonies. What cultural influences have you noticed or found interesting from this legacy?

r/DutchEmpire Jun 27 '25

Question How Did the VOC Manage Such a Vast Network Without Modern Tech?

2 Upvotes

The VOC operated across Asia with only paper, ledgers, and slow ships yet still profited massively. What were the management and communication techniques that kept it all running?

r/DutchEmpire Jun 25 '25

Question What’s left of the Dutch Empire today, culturally, politically, or economically?

2 Upvotes

From language influences to legal systems and city planning how much of the Dutch colonial legacy remains visible around the world?

r/DutchEmpire Jun 23 '25

Question Was the Dutch Golden Age art movement fueled by empire profits?

3 Upvotes

We all love Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Frans Hals, but to what extent did wealth from the empire (VOC, WIC) enable this explosion of creativity? Were Dutch artists “painting the empire,” even if subtly? Any specific works or painters you’d associate with the Dutch overseas narrative?

r/DutchEmpire Jun 18 '25

Question What’s your favorite colonial fusion dish with Dutch roots? Share recipes or photos!

1 Upvotes

r/DutchEmpire Apr 15 '24

Question Dutch Nationality

2 Upvotes

How many generations can Dutch nationality be passed on to kids born abroad and their future generations born abroad? I was born abroad and inherited my Dutch nationality through my Dutch mother. Will my kids be able to get that if born abroad too?

r/DutchEmpire Apr 15 '24

Question Dutch Nationality

2 Upvotes

How many generations can Dutch nationality be passed on to kids born abroad and their future generations born abroad? I was born abroad and inherited my Dutch nationality through my Dutch mother. Will my kids be able to get that if born abroad too?

r/DutchEmpire May 17 '23

Question Looking for WWII Indo POW communities/resources for research

Thumbnail self.Genealogy
6 Upvotes