History of New Netherland: Difference between revisions

Hendrick II was the son of the previous stadtholder, Hendrick van Ackerhuys. He succeeded immediately after his father immediately after his death in 1836. His ascension to the stadtholderate was not uncontested, but he was able to subdue his political opponents by arresting them on false charges. He is mostly known for New Netherland's entry and eventual defeat in the [https://www.reddit.com/r/RosesTulipsAndLiberty/comments/mevha4/the_canton_war_18501857/ Canton War] against Britain and France.

 

When the Canton War between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Great Britain erupted in 1850, the Kingdom of the Netherlands convinced Hendrick II to aid them in attacking the British in New England, without the Patroon Council's knowledge. Furthermore, Van Ackerhuys was promised personal fortune and land claims for New Netherland stretching westward up to Boston, [[New England]] after the war was over. Eventually, the truth behind the secret affair was unraveled, and the Patroon Council protested the mobilization of troops but had very little power to stop it. Ultimately, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and New Netherland lost the war, tanking van Ackerhuys popularity in all social classes in New Netherland. Fearing a coup, van Ackerhuys agreed to abdicate the stadtholderate in favor of his liberal-minded son, Lodewijk van Ackerhuys.

 

Lodewÿck van Ackerhuys was coronated on July 14, 1855. It was during his rule that the coastal cities of New Netherland underwent gradual modernization and industrialization, creating an entire new working class population in the city, that contrasted with the rural peasantry in the patroonships. This was due to his policy of increasing tariffs for European imports, allowing the local industry in New Netherland to flourish. Lodewÿck was seen as a moderate, trying to balance the interests of New Netherland and its relations with other powers.

 

[[File:Locator ACB.png|thumb|245x245px|Location of the ACB Islands in the Caribbean Sea]]

New Netherland's relationship with the Kingdom of the Netherlands significantly improved after New Netherland extended support and passage for the Kingdom of the Netherlands' military during the [[Tussenland Upheavals]], a series of revolts in the Dutch colony of Tussenland. The combined power of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and New Netherland was unsuccessful in quelling the revolts. Nevertheless, New Netherland gained the trust of the European kingdom. However, their actions also led to strained relations with the Tussenlanders, who started to distrust New Netherland and their intentions. The ACB islands became a special territory or "colony" of New Netherland. Lodewÿck appointed Gÿs Haverhoeck as ACB's first Director-General. His government introduced aloe to the islands and became one of New Netherland's profitable industries.