The Dutch East India Company was established in the early 1600s to maximize Dutch trading interests in Southeast Asia. By 1700, the company had grown powerful and established colonial rule over many areas. After going bankrupt in 1800, the company's territories came under control of the Dutch government. During the Napoleonic Wars and afterward, there was conflict between the Dutch and British for control of the East Indies, resulting in the Dutch ceding some areas to Britain in exchange for retaining control of key colonies like Java and what is now Indonesia.

1. The Dutch East Indies By: Tom Blanton

2. Dutch East India Company The Dutch East India Company (VOC) had been set up in the early 1600’s with hopes to maximize Dutch trading interests in the Malay archipelago. By 1700, a colonial pattern was well established and the VOC had grown to become a state-within-a-state. After the company went bankrupt and was liquidated on January 1, 1800, its territorial possessions became property of the Dutch government.

3. Establishing an Indies Empire During the Napoleonic Wars, the British took over several Dutch East Indies posts, including Java, before Dutch control was restored. The Anglo-Dutch Treaty in 1824 ceded Dutch control of Malacca, the Malay Peninsula, and colonies in India to Britain in exchange for British settlements in Indonesia. The capital of the Dutch East Indies was Batavia, now known as Jakarta, still capital of the republic.