USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Colonists arrived in New Netherland from all over Europe. Many fled religious persecution, war, or natural disaster. Others were lured by the promise of fertile farmland, vast forests, and a lucrative trade in fur. Initially, beaver pelts purchased from local Indians were the colony’s primary source of wealth.

Detailed explanation-2: -In 1664, the two major population centers in New Netherland were New Amsterdam (New York City) and Beverwijck (Albany, New York). Dutch settlers lived in towns and villages as far south as New Amstel (New Castle, Delaware) and as far north and west as Schenectady, New York.

Detailed explanation-3: -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.

Detailed explanation-4: -As a result, the settlers in New Netherland were a diverse group. Among them were Germans, Scandinavians, French, Scots, English, Irish, Jews, Italians, and Croats. Although not all settlers were Dutch, they all lived under Dutch rule.