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Which parts of the world did Amsterdam merchant ships reach during the city’s trading expansion?
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Amsterdam
Overview of Amsterdam.
During the Dutch Golden Age, Amsterdam’s merchant ships expanded their reach far beyond Europe, establishing a vast global trading network. While the city maintained its "mother trades" with the Baltic, France, and the Iberian lands, its commercial influence extended to several other continents:12
- Asia: Through the Dutch East India Company, merchants established bases across the Indian Ocean, including Ceylon (Sri Lanka), mainland India, and the Indonesian archipelago. They also engaged in trade with China and Japan.13
- Africa: Dutch ships reached various parts of the continent, notably establishing a vital supply station at Cape Town in 1652 to support the arduous voyages between Europe and Asia.13
- The Americas: The Dutch West India Company facilitated trade across the Atlantic, which included the commerce of commodities and the trade in enslaved people.1
- Oceania: Explorers such as Abel Tasman were sponsored to investigate regions including Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand.3
This expansion transformed Amsterdam into the principal warehouse and trading center for Europe, supported by advanced banking institutions and efficient shipping designs.42