Exploring the Possibilities: The History of the Dutch East India Company

What motivated the Dutch East India Company to support further explorations by Henry Hudson?

a. Desire to establish trade routes to Asia
b. Competition with English merchants
c. Search for new colonies

Answer:

Hired by English merchants, explorer Henry Hudson twice entered the Arctic Ocean in an attempt to find a Northeast Passage to Asia, only to be stymied each time by sheets of sea ice. Though unable to gain additional backing in his home country, the state-sponsored Dutch East India Company soon jumped in to green-light a third voyage.

The Dutch East India Company was a powerful trading entity established in the early 17th century. The company had a strong interest in expanding its trade routes and establishing new colonies to increase its wealth and power. This motivation led them to support further explorations by Henry Hudson, who was seeking a Northeast Passage to Asia.

Competition with English merchants also played a role in the Dutch East India Company's decision to support Hudson's expeditions. The company saw an opportunity to challenge English dominance in the region and gain an advantage in the lucrative trade routes to Asia.

Overall, the Dutch East India Company's support for Hudson's explorations was driven by a combination of economic interests, competition with other European powers, and the desire to establish a strong presence in the global trade network.