Early Modern Era
Dutch Republic (VOC)
1602 AD – 1750 AD · peak 1670 AD
The Dutch Republic became a 17th-century commercial power through the Dutch East India Company, founded in 1602. Amsterdam was a global financial center, while the VOC controlled bases from Batavia to the Moluccas and the spice routes. The system combined financial innovation, merchant shipping and colonial rule, but declined through naval wars and British competition.
Capital: Amsterdam
Key figures
Battles in this period
Trade routes in use
- Cape Route (1500 AD – 1869 AD)
- Manila Galleon (1565 AD – 1815 AD)
- Atlantic Triangular Trade (1600 AD – 1808 AD)
- Tea Clipper Route (1720 AD – 1900 AD)