Early Dutch Exploits in the Western Archipelago of the Indies: In Praise of Equal Partnerships

In this article I investigate both what we can know about Dutch ways of dealingwith the important ports in the western archipelago, a commercially rich and politicallydivided region, and what we think we know. I take a fresh look at the beginnings of theirpresence and at how relations were established and evolved. By employing a criticalassessment of the documents produced during this period and comparing these with thescholarly findings in the historical literature, I aim to present an informed perspective ofthe nature of the different relationships. The documents have at least the merit of beingcontemporary and therefore reflect perceptions and conditions during this period. Closingalliances and treaties with the rulers of these ports was one way to break the Portuguesetrade monopoly which ultimately led to rewriting the region’s narrative on the familiarlines of conquest.