Originally Posted by: Geeetar4LifeCan anyone give me a precise answer to why the early 17th century Dutch colonies were formed? It's for school.

I mean, I have an idea, but I'm more of a nineteenth century history guy, and everywhere I search for the answer, I can't find a straight up answer. All the web talks about is the stone houses and **** that the Dutch settlers built...I mean, I guess I could look a little harder, but I figured one of you guys would have the intelligence to answer the question to the best of my understanding...

I think it was over trade. I think the Dutch were rather dominating in international trade (ie the Dutch East India Trading company) as well as ship building/mapping etc.

Can't say I know more than that but with the DETC forming early on, a likely contributor...Wish I had more...I'd actually have to use the intarweb then....hehe