A microhistorical approach to the history of New Netherland, which dives into the lives of several families and individuals that lived in the colony of New Netherland to, one, determine what their...Show moreA microhistorical approach to the history of New Netherland, which dives into the lives of several families and individuals that lived in the colony of New Netherland to, one, determine what their influence was on the development of the colony, and two, to show that a microhistory of New Netherland can shed new light on the existing historiography.Show less
This thesis adds a new chapter to the environmental history of Dutch Essequibo and Demerara in the second half of the eighteenth century. Mainly using Dutch maps, plans and reports, this paper...Show moreThis thesis adds a new chapter to the environmental history of Dutch Essequibo and Demerara in the second half of the eighteenth century. Mainly using Dutch maps, plans and reports, this paper studies how Dutch knowledge of hydraulic engineering was reflected in their construction projects in the wet tropical Guianas. It examines the construction processes, structure and layout of canals, plantations, fortifications and towns. The hydraulic engineering of these projects is compared to practices in the Netherlands, Europe and European colonies, to determine whether it was as typically Dutch and unique as scholars often assume. The paper concludes that although the construction projects were planned in such a way that these fit well with the wet natural environment of the Guianas, the hydraulic engineering was neither unique nor typically Dutch. Instead, the projects resembled practices in other European colonies more closely than Dutch practices. The hydraulic engineering was therefore not the result of Dutch experience in water management, but rather the result of the environment of Essequibo and Demerara that forced the British, French and Dutch inhabitants to adapt to it.Show less
In 1646, Curaçao and New Netherland were united under Petrus Stuyvesant as director-general of both colonies. It was the culmination of several years of planning to improve the poor situation in...Show moreIn 1646, Curaçao and New Netherland were united under Petrus Stuyvesant as director-general of both colonies. It was the culmination of several years of planning to improve the poor situation in these territories. The aim was to provide Curaçao with food produced in New Netherland and cut the costs of the unprofitable island. The connection functioned poorly as a lack of shipping capacity made it impossible to supply Curaçao as planned, and food shortages remained common.Show less
