S A M R U D D H I PAT H A K

LOVE IS NOT ENOUGH:

TREATIES IN
SEVENTEENTH-
CENTURY DUTCH
COLONIAL EXPANSION
WHY DUTCH
TREATIES? • Dutch expansionism was different from
other colonial powers.
• Treaties played a significant role in
their colonial expansion.
• Usage of Treaties by Dutch changes the
entire European perception towards
treaties.
SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT IN DUTCH
TREATY MAKING
• Eramus – concord, decorum and peace
• Machiavelli – discord, audacity and expansion
• Lipsius – integration of above two theories
• Grotius – pupil of Eramus
 • Objective – compete with the Portuguese
HOW DID THE for spice trade in Southeast Asia.

DUTCH • Integration of all overseas private

companies under Dutch East India
ARRIVE AT Company

TREATIES? • Monopoly was established gradually

by VOC.
DUTCH TREATIES: TYRANNY IN
DISGUISE

• The Dutch acquired monopoly over other trade through treaties 

• Some treaties in Southeast Asia were signed under the barrel of a gun
• Indigenous leaders were made to surrender through treaties
• Dutch East India Company claims seemed legitimate over Portuguese or
British claims as the leaders had "subjected willingly"  
AFTERMATH OF
SUCCESS IN
SOUTHEAST ASIA

• More territories were colonized in Asia,

Africa and the Americas
• Machiavellian idiom "Love alone is not
enough" was championed ultimately.