The Truth Behind the Dutch and Manhattan: A Historical Misunderstanding Clarified

It is commonly believed that the Dutch sold Manhattan to the English or even traded it for Suriname. However, the reality is much more complex and involves a series of thefts and political exchanges during the Anglo-Dutch Wars of the 17th century. Let's delve into this historical misunderstanding and uncover the true story.

Did the Dutch Sell Manhattan?

The idea that the Dutch sold Manhattan to the English is a myth. The Dutch did not sell Manhattan, although they did purchase it from the Lenape tribe in 1626. This transaction marked the formal acquisition of the land by the Dutch West India Company, which established a settlement there. However, the term 'sale' is misleading, as the Dutch obtained the land through negotiation rather than purchase.

Political Exchanges and Conflicts

The true story of Manhattan involves political exchanges and conflicts between the Dutch and the English during the Anglo-Dutch Wars. In the 17th century, the Dutch colony of New Netherland, which included Manhattan, was invaded by the English. This event is part of a broader history of colonial disputes between these two powerful European nations.

Swapping Manhattan for Suriname

After the English took control of New Netherland, the Dutch were not finished with colonial dealings. The colony of Suriname in South America, which the English had previously claimed and controlled, was recovered by the Dutch during the same wars. At the peace treaty of Breda in 1667, both the Dutch and the English agreed to exchange their respective colonies: the Dutch would give up New Netherland (which included Manhattan) to the English, while the English would hand over Suriname to the Dutch.

It is important to note that this 'swap' did not occur as a peaceful agreement between two sovereign nations. Instead, it was the result of a series of military and political maneuvers orchestrated during a time of war. The continuance of this arrangement after the wars was due to pragmatic decision-making rather than a desire for peaceful coexistence.

The Lenape Tribe and Their Role

The Lenape tribe, who were the original inhabitants of Manhattan, played a significant role in the early history of the land. The Dutch made an agreement with this tribe, negotiating the right to establish a settlement. This transaction is often misinterpreted as a 'sale,' but in reality, it was a complex negotiation involving the Dutch West India Company and the local Lenape leadership.

Conclusion

The story of Manhattan's history is more nuanced than a simple tale of a 'sale' or 'trade.' It involves the complex interplay of colonial disputes, military conquests, and political agreements. The truth is that the Dutch did not sell Manhattan, but rather it was taken by the English through military conflict. The Suriname 'trade' was a part of a broader agreement during the Anglo-Dutch Wars.

Understanding these historical events provides a clearer picture of the complex colonial history of the region and the true nature of the exchanges between the Dutch and the English during this tumultuous period.

Keywords: Dutch-English Wars, Manhattan Purchase, New Netherland Colony