Abstract This paper explores the creation of the Dutch and Portugese maritime empires, attempting to understand the primary impetus. The author maintains that in both the Dutch and Portuguese cases, means-not motivation-was the major factor in determining the creation and form of the countries' respective empires.
The Portuguese Maritime Empire in Monsoon Asia (1498-1825)
The Dutch Maritime Empire (1400-1800)
Conclusion
From the Paper "In the first stages of imperial expansion, means is more important than motivation. Some empires, such as the Dutch (though not the Portuguese), have a pre-imperialist phase of expansion in which this is particularly true. In this earliest stag, the country is simply trying to preserve the status quo, as the Dutch were trying to preserve their access to spices at the end of the 16th century. Without planning to, they lay the groundwork for imperialism-in the Dutch case, by consolidating trade under the VOC and forming alliances with Asian leaders not already allied with the Portuguese. Only when the necessary means for empire materialize does the country opportunistically and imperialistically expand."
Abstract This document discusses the Royal Dutch/Shell Corporation as it relates to its organizational structure. The topic of the paper discusses is the reorganization Royal Dutch/Shell underwent during the mid-1990s when it ended its matrix organizational model in lieu of one based on divisional lines. This new structure was a response to the global economies new demands on corporate strategy that found companies being forced to respond to competitive market forces around the globe where previously these pressured did not exist.
From the Paper "Royal Dutch/Shell (Royal) benefited greatly from its matrix organizational structure in that the matrix structure aligned neatly with its core business strategies. As the case points out, the petroleum industry is characterized by long-term business decisions being made on a daily basis for which the outcome of those decisions may not be fully known or understood for many years. Thus, the oversight of the dual executive management ensured that such long-term decisions would never be taken lightly and that they would, in all cases be weighed within the context of the local and regional environment as well as the strategic health of the company as a whole. Yet, one of the major negatives of such a structure is that decision-making becomes a lengthy process and the company in question cannot respond to market forces in an agile manner."
An in-depth look at the history of the Dutch Naval Wars, with England and the involvement of Charles the Second throughout. Particular emphasis is made on the third war.
Abstract The English and the Dutch fought three wars in the seventeenth century of which the first two were about trade and the third about King Charles II and his atempts to gain power. This essay outlines these wars and the impact they had on the trade, politics and religion of Europe at that time. It also allows us to understand better the motives and drive behind the English king engaging in various treaties, alliances and of course battle. Great detail is paid to historical fact.
From the Paper "The Dutch naval wars have been viewed as having lesser historical importance than many other events of the same time period, such as the English civil wars and the restoration of Charles II. However, these wars had a great impact on the trade, politics and religion of seventeenth century Europe. Three wars were fought between England and the Dutch Republic, the first two about trade. The third war, on which focus has been aimed, dealt with the monarch of England, Charles II, and his attempts to gain power. The third Dutch naval war failed to enhance Charles II's power because the war went badly and caused the treaty of Dover to backfire."
Tags: Charles, Dutch, England, history, naval, navy, war
Abstract This paper analyzes 17th century Dutch art and reviews the book "The Art of Describing, Dutch Art in the Seventeenth Century," written by Svetlana Alpers. The paper discusses Alpers' assertion that Dutch visual culture needs to be examined more closely in order to better understand the Dutch genre in its own terms. It briefly discusses the origins and technique of Dutch art.
From the Paper "Was it the influence of Baconian philosophy or new excitement over technology and exploration...or simply a grounded earthy pragmatism the Dutch environment encouraged? Alpers exhaustively-researched book invites one to ponder not simply on the art but the people who place such emphasis on individuals and things. A closeness and fondness for the overlooked or underappreciated is in these works, an empathy that suddenly seems badly missing in Italian art. Not every facet of Alpers book succeeds; lengthy translations and unexpected foreign phrases complicate an already excessively complex academic text. Still one finds surprising anecdotal humor and a refreshingly allegory-free people in the Dutch - and a feeling that Alpers may be winning the argument for deeper meaning behind the elegant brushwork!"
Abstract This paper begins by discussing the historical, social, political, and economic context of the Dutch homeland and some reasons why the Dutch came to the United States. It then provides a cultural sketch of the people, their values, beliefs, religion, and traditions. It looks at some of the experiences the Dutch had upon their arrival in America and how their experiences have changed over time. The paper, finally, discusses how the Dutch were viewed by the dominant culture and how they are viewed now.
From the Paper "The Dutch East India Company in the vessel De Have Maen, which was led by their English Captain Hudson, were the first to lay anchor at Sandy Hook, and then they sailed up to what is now the Hudson River. The Captain was trying to find a short route to Asia and the East Indies, after crossing the portion that is now known as Albany, but on realization that this part of the water was no longer as salty as it was expected to be and that it also became narrower, Captain Hudson decided to return back to England. But this did not intimidate the Dutch traders and this did not hold them back to explore the land and exploit the abundant riches available here. Later in 1614 the Netherlands States-General gave permission to 13 Dutch businessmen to set up their business in Fort Nassau that then became the second European settlement in America. (DeLong, 1975)"
Abstract This paper covers some of the influences on the foods and cooking of the Pennsylvania Dutch and discusses some of the region's most popular dishes and specialties. It explains that the Pennsylvania Dutch inhabit rural areas of southeastern Pennsylvania. Their cooking is a unique blend of their lifestyle, history, culture, and local influences. It shows how the Pennsylvania Dutch are not Dutch at all; they are really German immigrants who brought many food traditions with them when they immigrated to America.
From the Paper "While there are Amish and Mennonite settlements in several U.S. states, the heaviest concentration is located in southeastern Pennsylvania, hence the term Pennsylvania Dutch, which includes all people of the area. This area of Pennsylvania is covered with gently rolling hills and rich earth, and it is the perfect place for farmers, which the Pennsylvania Dutch are. Cookbook author Betty Groff wrote of the farms of the area, "Their vegetable and flower gardens are so lush and immaculate that they could be mistaken for a horticultural college's test plots" (Groff 2). This lush farmland led to the development of a rich agricultural heritage, and many of the items grown end up on the family table for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Another expert on the Dutch writes, "In 1799 Thomas Hill described the Pennsylvania Dutch farmers as 'the most early rising, hard working people I ever saw.' Many of them, especially the 'plain people,' are still that. They have never been afraid of hard work or of getting their hands dirty" (Klees 192)."
Abstract This essay examines the first contact experience between the Cape (the Dutch and the slaves) and the indigenous Africans (primarily the Khoisan and Khoikhoi). It sees the contact as permeated by conflict and exploitation (on the part of the Dutch).
Abstract This paper concentrates on Dutch policy and diplomacy between 1568 and 1648, military organization and innovation and actual outcomes. It concludes that the Dutch successfully employed the military to secure their independence and rise to commercial dominance.
Abstract This ten-page undergraduate paper examines and analyzes images of the domestic heroine and the love-sick maiden in Dutch seventeenth century painting. Domesticity and female complaints are contrasted as they are presented in selected works by seventeenth century Dutch genre painters such as De Hooch, Steen, Maes, and Vermeer.
This paper is a critical analysis of Edmund Morris' "Dutch: A Memoir of Ronald Reagan", a wild revision of the biographical style combining both fiction and non-fiction.
Abstract This paper explains that, in Edmund Morris' "Dutch: A Memoir of Ronald Reagan", Morris introduces himself into the narrative both as a true eyewitness and as a fictional one, who is both older and more American than the authentic Morris and lives a life oddly paralleled to Reagan's life. The author points out that, while "Dutch" clearly is not a traditional biography, it adheres to the most important aspects of the fundamental biographical style in that it provides the reader with ample information about Reagan through the most significant moments of his life. The paper relates that Morris developed this style because, despite having been paid more than $2.9 million to write an official biography, Morris found himself deterred by a calculated silence on Reagan's part, which left the author grappling to find who Reagan really was as a man.
From the Paper "Throughout the course of the book, Morris again and again refers to Reagan in physical form, noticing his "deep-chested" strength as a youth, his elegant aging as a 30-year-old actor, and his stiff comportment as a President. At times the descriptions slide into the sensual: "That hard, splendid body, those bruising arms and knees, the prickle of wet wool..." describes the young lifeguard Reagan. Later, "that quiet, palpable mass, at once majestic and unthreatening. It's not simply an aggregate of height and breadth....he [crowds] one's horizon." While these descriptions may seem to be the result of literary license, emphasizing the body rather than the man, they have the distinct effect of creating a character who is almost a paperboard cut-out. By focusing on the two-dimensional, this effect iterates the importance of Reagan's "acting" rather than his authentic "feeling"."
Abstract This paper examines the Iconoclastic Movement in the Netherlands (1566 - 1567) as the beginning of the Dutch Revolt and takes a look at the historical context of the Dutch Revolt, particularly the political, economic and social aspects of the Netherlands in the sixteenth century. The paper further examines the factors that stimulated the launch of iconoclasm in the Netherlands. Additionally, the paper discusses those who supported the iconoclasts, overtly or otherwise, and tries to understand what their motives were.
From the Paper "Further evidence of disunity in the Netherlands is found in the political make-up of the counties. Each province had its own parliament with its own laws. Criminals could often avoid persecution by simply crossing a border. In a more physical sense, geographical boundaries hindered communications between counties and other foreign countries; rivers, lakes and dikes covered the Low Countries, often making messengers on foot the fastest method of delivery. Another example of the lack of unity was the variety of languages that were spoken throughout the Netherlands. Limm describes these linguistic divisions as 'an obstacle to unity', but was a united Netherlands under one all-powerful king what the Dutch people wanted? Most certainly not."
Abstract This paper presents a case study of Royal Dutch/Shell and how, in response to competition, they have tried to implement change from the top down, without noted success. It explains how they are now implementing a grassroots approach to change in order to become more competitive and re-earn lost consumers.
From the Paper "Royal Dutch/Shell, or as it's more commonly known as Shell, is a global energy provider. Shell not only has over one hundred thousand employees, 47,000 filling stations and $128 billion in annual revenue, but the challenges of a mega-corporation as well. By using grassroots employees, to design and implement change, Shell has successfully made the changes needed to stay competitive in a tough economy. (Hellriegel et al., 2002, p. 340)"
Abstract This is a research paper dealing with the three Anglo-Dutch wars of the middle 17th century. The paper looks at origins of the conflicts and historical events leading up to the wars. It also analyzes the position from both sides during the conflicts.
From the Paper "Overshadowed by the massive conflict and change of the civil war were a series of conflicts between England and the United Netherlands. The first three can really be called a continuation of hostilities and were fought between 1652 and 1674, only footnotes in history, where important for a variety of reasons. This document is an attempt to examine those conflicts in a strictly historical text and look at documented evidence as to the impact of said conflicts. At large will be the issues of economy, combat effectiveness, and popular opinion of the wars, while some space will be allotted for discussion of historical context as well."
Tags: 17th, century, england, europe, netherlands, seventeenth, united
Abstract This paper is a linguistic analysis of the German language. It compares German with Dutch and Afrikaans. The varieties of the German language; divisions into North Germanic and West Germanic are all discussed.
From the Paper "The German language bears many similarities to other Germanicl anguages such as Dutch and Afrikaans. Standard German is spoken with auvular R although the alveolar pronunciation is used in many of the standard German ..."
Abstract This paper discusses the role of Holland in the world economy during the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as the internal and external forces that led to the Dutch Golden Age. The paper provides information regarding the general history of Holland as well as information regarding its economic history.
From the Paper "Rising taxes also had an effect on trade. Other ports, such as the ports in Germany with lower trade tariffs, began to acquire some of the previously Amsterdam destined vessels, and the overwhelming Dutch control of the seas began to wane. The Dutch attempted to establish trade treaties with many of the surrounding countries, but when push came to shove many of the treaties that were signed were simply ignored, and more were not even signed in the first place."
