East Indies under Dutch Control

Dutch East India Company (VOC): A chartered company established by Dutch merchants that had quasi-governmental powers and monopolized trade in Southeast Asia. Think about it as a powerful business with its own army and ability to govern territories.

Cultivation System: A policy instituted by Dutch colonial government forcing farmers in Java to plant a portion of their land with export crops for sale on global market. It’s like being forced to grow vegetables in your backyard not for yourself but for selling at local farmer’s market.

Decolonization: The process where colonies become independent from colonial powers. Picture this as finally getting your own room after sharing it with your sibling for years.