The Dutch in the World,1500-1950: From Small Republic to Global Empire (and Back)

3-0-9 units · Graduate

Surveys the social and economic history of the Dutch Republic and its overseas empire in the Americas, Asia, and Africa from the early modern period through twentieth-century decolonization. Analyzes primary and secondary sources in English, with optional Dutch materials for those who read the language. Includes topics such as: commerce and trading networks, urbanization, material culture, labor systems including slavery, indigenous-Dutch relations, colonial governance, and resistance. Critically examines Dutch historiography to understand the relationship between colonial histories and the history of The Netherlands itself. Includes guest appearances and a field trip to the Center for Netherlandish Art at the MFA in Boston.