The United East India Companyoːˈseː]), commonly known as the Dutch East India Company, was a chartered trading company and one of the first joint-stock companies in the world. Established on 20 March 1602 by the States General of the Netherlands amalgamating existing companies, it was granted a 21-year monopoly to carry out trade activities in Asia. Shares in the company could be purchased by any citizen of the Dutch Republic and bought and sold in open-air secondary markets, one of which became the Amsterdam Stock Exchange. The company possessed quasi-governmental powers, including the ability to wage war, imprison and execute convicts, negotiate treaties, strike its own coins, and establish colonies.
First Dutch East India Company ships return from the Far East
The United East India Companyoːˈseː]), commonly known as the Dutch East India Company, was a chartered trading company and one of the first joint-stock companies in the world.
Historical Significance
The United East India Companyoːˈseː]), commonly known as the Dutch East India Company, was a chartered trading company and one of the first joint-stock companies in the world.
Events Before
German astronomer and priest David Fabricius discovers the light variation of Mira, the first variable star
German astronomer and priest David Fabricius discovers the light variation of Mira, the first variable star
Catholic League disbanded
Catholic League disbanded
Albert VII Archduke of Austria occupies Calais
Calais is a French major port city in the Pas-de-Calais department, of which it is a subprefecture. Calais is the largest city in Pas-de-Calais.
Pacificatie of Ireland drawn
Pacificatie of Ireland drawn
Dutch explorer Willem Barents sets off from Amsterdam on his third expedition to try to find a Northwest passage through
Dutch explorer Willem Barents sets off from Amsterdam on his third expedition to try to find a Northwest passage through the Arctic
Events After
Countess Charlotte of Nassau marries duke Claude de la Tremoille
Countess Charlotte of Nassau marries duke Claude de la Tremoille
Edict of Nantes grants political rights to French Huguenots
The Edict of Nantes was an edict signed in April 1598 by King Henry IV of France that granted the Calvinist Protestants of France, also known as Huguenots, substantial rights in the nation, which was…
Battle of Noryang Point: In the final naval battle of the Imjin War, the allied Korean and Chinese fleets decisively def
Battle of Noryang Point: In the final naval battle of the Imjin War, the allied Korean and Chinese fleets decisively defeat the Japanese
Boris Godunov seizes Russian throne on death of Feodor I
Boris Feodorovich Godunov was the de facto regent of Russia from 1585 to 1598 and then tsar from 1598 to 1605 following the death of Feodor I, the last of the Rurik dynasty.
Jews are expelled from Genoa, Italy
Jews are expelled from Genoa, Italy
More from the 1590s
Korean naval commander Admiral Yi Sun-sin begins his famous war diary "Nanjung ilgi" (included in UNESCO's Memory of the
Korean naval commander Admiral Yi Sun-sin begins his famous war diary "Nanjung ilgi" (included in UNESCO's Memory of the World 2013) [1]
Jacob van Neck's fleet leaves Bantam, Java in modern-day Indonesia with 1 million pounds of pepper and cloves and a furt
Jacob van Neck's fleet leaves Bantam, Java in modern-day Indonesia with 1 million pounds of pepper and cloves and a further half a ship full of nutmeg, mace and cinnamon
King Naresuan of Siam kills Crown Prince Minchit Sra of Burma in single combat, date is now observed as Royal Thai Armed
King Naresuan of Siam kills Crown Prince Minchit Sra of Burma in single combat, date is now observed as Royal Thai Armed Forces Day
William Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet" is thought to have been first performed; officially published early 1597
William Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet" is thought to have been first performed; officially published early 1597
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on August 20, 1597?
- The United East India Companyoːˈseː]), commonly known as the Dutch East India Company, was a chartered trading company and one of the first joint-stock companies in the world. Established on 20 March 1602 by the States General of the Netherlands amalgamating existing companies, it was granted a 21-year monopoly to carry out trade activities in Asia. Shares in the company could be purchased by any citizen of the Dutch Republic and bought and sold in open-air secondary markets, one of which became the Amsterdam Stock Exchange.
- Why is First Dutch East India Company ships return from the Far East significant?
- The United East India Companyoːˈseː]), commonly known as the Dutch East India Company, was a chartered trading company and one of the first joint-stock companies in the world.