Research master thesis | History: Societies and Institutions (research) (MA)
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This thesis paper examines and looks at the events, which allowed an African trader to defeat a powerful Dutch trading company. The reason why this case is so historically relevant is because of...Show moreThis thesis paper examines and looks at the events, which allowed an African trader to defeat a powerful Dutch trading company. The reason why this case is so historically relevant is because of the dire consequences it had on the WIC’s Gold Coast economic output. The time period studied predates the war upwards of three years, and post dates the resolution to end all conflicts in excess of nine years. I used two major research strategies: (1) a thorough analysis of the Dutch West India Companies archives from 1759-1773 and (2) a quantitative and qualitative analysis of previously published data. Data has been collected from archives, published first hand accounts written by company officials and journeymen, and keyword searches on the Internet. This dissertation augments and reanalysis information provided by the field pacesetter’s professor P. Valsecchi and the late R. Baesjou. The focus is largely on uncovering the factors behind a failed WIC invasion, while keeping the actual historically relevant story intact. By doing the historical qualitative analysis in this manor it not only provides the reader with a better overall experience, but also aids further understanding in African warfare procedures. The reason why this is of such importance is because the WIC-Appolonian war of 1761-1764, had an ever-lasting impact on not only Dutch and British coastal procedure from henceforth but also on the very foundation of the modern day Nzema state.Show less
