Final answer:
The Dutch, after gaining independence from Spain, were known for their tolerant policies that attracted many dissidents, making them a significant power in Europe and in their overseas empires. However, their involvement in the slave trade and colonial expansion practices showed a more complex attitude towards tolerance outside their homeland.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "Intolerant of other people’s culture and the Dutch…" does not accurately reflect the historical context of the Netherlands and its global interactions during the period after they asserted their independence from Spain.
The Dutch were known for their liberal policies, especially in comparison to other European powers of the time, which allowed for intellectual and religious freedom. This openness attracted dissidents from other nations to the Netherlands, contributing to its cultural diversity and helping it become a powerful force in Europe and in establishing overseas empires
However, it is also imperative to note that the Dutch, in pursuit of economic gain, did engage in practices such as the expansion of their navy to challenge Spanish and Portuguese trade and the establishment of the Dutch East India Company (DEIC).
This company became the primary shipper of spices, slaves, and sugar, indicating that while they were culturally tolerant at home, their actions abroad in the context of colonialism and trade did not always align with these values.
The Dutch involvement in slave trade and efforts to maximize profits sometimes contradicted their domestic policies of tolerance. Nonetheless, the Dutch settlers in the New World, particularly in New Netherlands, demonstrated some level of religious toleration and attracted a diverse population that included free artisans, farmers, and even enslaved Africans, further reflecting the complex nature of Dutch tolerance.