Dutch colonial rule of Taiwan

Dutch colonial rule lasted in Taiwan from 1642 to 1662.

At the time of Dutch settlement in Taiwan, the northern part of the island was still occupied by Spanish who had landed there in 1626. However, they showed no signs of expanding their settlement and in 1642 the Dutch drove them out. As Tu Cheng-sheng states, there were three main reasons for the Dutch colonisation of Taiwan: “to ensure the security of the Philippines, to protect trade with China, and to prevent the Japanese from occupying the island”.

Taiwan was in a perfect place strategically to engage in trade within the region. The Chinese had refused to allow the Dutch to settle on the Chinese territory of Penghu, and suggested they settle on Taiwan instead. The subsequent settlement of the island was reflective of the strategic value of Taiwan. The settlement was systematic and planned, as the construction of the military stronghold of Castle Zeelandia demonstrated. The settlers were clearly aiming to protect their good position to engage in trade in the long-term, and to establish themselves as the administrators of Taiwan.

The Dutch approach towards the control and administration of Taiwan is best described as interventionist. They were the first settlers who seriously sought to develop the island. While the Dutch faced some initial opposition and hostility from indigenous tribes, they engaged in a number of expeditions to pacify them and eventually established peace that would last until their rule ended in 1662.

Aboriginals were allowed to continue their lives relatively freely, but were required to make annual tribute to the Dutch in a manner similar to a feudal system. In addition, the Dutch introduced a number of taxes, including export duties, sales tax and hunting taxes. They also laid down laws governing every aspect of life, including the organisation of markets, production of alcohol, construction of houses and observation of Sunday services.

The process of converting indigenous peoples to Christianity also helped to increase the literacy of aboriginals, as clergymen sent by the Dutch East India Company were involved in translating the Bible from Dutch into Romanized versions of indigenous languages. The clergy were also involved in setting up schools, as well as serving as interpreters and tax collectors, playing a key role in the administration of Taiwan by the Dutch. This was largely due to the fact that they were heavily involved with the aboriginal tribes, and understood their cultures and the various dialects.

The Dutch presence in Taiwan also brought with it scientific and technological advances. The Dutch introduced well-digging, as well as bringing both oxen and cattle to the island. In terms of the trade being engaged in, the settlers’ ultimate goal was to obtain the spices grown in Southeast Asia and sell them in Europe. To do this the Dutch exchanged Japanese and Chinese gold and silver for Indian cotton, which was then used to buy the spices. Those spices were eventually shipped back to Europe.

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Wikipedia