The Dutch colonial empire (Dutch: Nederlandse Koloniale Rijk) comprised overseas territories and trading posts under some form of Dutch control from the early 17th to late 20th centuries, including those initially administered by Dutch chartered companies—primarily the Dutch East India Company (1602–1799) and Dutch West India Company (1621–1792)—and subsequently governed by the Dutch Republic (1581–1795) and modern Kingdom of the Netherlands (1815–1975). Following the de facto independence of the Dutch Republic from the Spanish Empire in the late 16th century, various trading companies known as voorcompagnie led maritime expeditions overseas in search of commercial opportunities.
Dutch West India Company receives charter for the West Indies (the Americas, Caribbean and West Africa)
The Dutch colonial empire (Dutch: Nederlandse Koloniale Rijk) comprised overseas territories and trading posts under some form of Dutch control from the early 17th to late 20th centuries, including...
Events Before
Pilgrim Fathers depart Leiden, Netherlands, for England on their way to America
Pilgrim Fathers depart Leiden, Netherlands, for England on their way to America
The Mayflower sets sail from Southampton, England, with 102 Pilgrims bound for the New World
Mayflower was an English square-rigged merchant sailing ship, active from before 1609 until 1622. Her tonnage was 180+, and she was 110 feet long and 25 feet in the beam, with several decks.
The Mayflower departs Plymouth, England, with 102 Pilgrims and about 30 crew for the New World [O.S. Sep 6]
The Mayflower departs Plymouth, England, with 102 Pilgrims and about 30 crew for the New World [O.S. Sep 6]
Great Patent granted to Plymouth Colony
The Pilgrims, also known as the Pilgrim Fathers, were the English settlers who travelled to North America on the ship Mayflower and established the Plymouth Colony at what now is Plymouth,...
Mayflower Compact is signed by Pilgrims at Cape Cod, establishing the first framework of government in the territory tha
Mayflower Compact is signed by Pilgrims at Cape Cod, establishing the first framework of government in the territory that is now the USA [N.S. Nov 21]
Events After
Papal Chancery adopts January 1 as the beginning of the year (previously March 25)
Papal Chancery adopts January 1 as the beginning of the year (previously March 25)
First American Indian (Powhatan) massacre of Europeans around Jamestown, Virginia, 347 killed
First American Indian (Powhatan) massacre of Europeans around Jamestown, Virginia, 347 killed
Pope Gregory XV forms Congregatio the Propagande Fide
The Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples (CEP; Latin: Congregatio pro Gentium Evangelizatione) was a congregation of the Roman Curia of the Catholic Church in Rome, responsible for...
Germany & Transylvania sign Peace of Nikolsburg
Germany & Transylvania sign Peace of Nikolsburg
English East India Company forces capture the Portuguese fort on the island of Hormus in the Persian Gulf, an important
English East India Company forces capture the Portuguese fort on the island of Hormus in the Persian Gulf, an important trading center on the route to Mughal India
More from the 1620s
Papal Chancery adopts January 1 as the beginning of the year (previously March 25)
Papal Chancery adopts January 1 as the beginning of the year (previously March 25)
First American Indian (Powhatan) massacre of Europeans around Jamestown, Virginia, 347 killed
First American Indian (Powhatan) massacre of Europeans around Jamestown, Virginia, 347 killed
Charles I, King of England, Scotland and Ireland ascends the English throne
Charles I, King of England, Scotland and Ireland ascends the English throne
Viceroy Frederick Henry marries Amalia countess von Solms-Braunfels
Viceroy Frederick Henry marries Amalia countess von Solms-Braunfels
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on June 3, 1621?
- The Dutch colonial empire (Dutch: Nederlandse Koloniale Rijk) comprised overseas territories and trading posts under some form of Dutch control from the early 17th to late 20th centuries, including those initially administered by Dutch chartered companies—primarily the Dutch East India Company (1602–1799) and Dutch West India Company (1621–1792)—and subsequently governed by the Dutch Republic (1581–1795) and modern Kingdom of the Netherlands (1815–1975). Following the de facto independence of the Dutch Republic from the Spanish Empire in the late 16th century, various trading companies known as voorcompagnie led maritime expeditions overseas in search of commercial opportunities.
- Why is Dutch West India Company receives charter for the West Indies (the Americas, ... historically important?
- Following the de facto independence of the Dutch Republic from the Spanish Empire in the late 16th century, various trading companies known as voorcompagnie led maritime expeditions overseas in search of commercial opportunities.