Question

Why did the Dutch settle New Netherland?

Answer 1

The colony of New Netherland was established by the Dutch West India Company in 1624 and grew to encompass all of present-day New York City and parts of Long Island, Connecticut and New Jersey. A successful Dutch settlement in the colony grew up on the southern tip of Manhattan Island and was christened New Amsterdam.

Answer 2

In 1621, the Dutch government chartered the West India Company with the hope and goal that both of bringing order to economic activity in New Netherland and of challenging Spanish influence in the New World. Colonists arrived in New Netherland from all over Europe. Many also fled religious persecution, war, or natural disaster.