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New Amsterdam

Definition

New Amsterdam was a 17th-century Dutch settlement established at the southern tip of Manhattan Island that served as the seat of government for New Netherland territory.

Analogy

Consider New Amsterdam as your school's main office in comparison to your entire school being like New Netherland. Just like how all major decisions about your school are made in your school's main office, similarly all major decisions about New Netherland were made in New Amsterdam.

Related terms

Manhattan Island: An island located at mouth of Hudson River; it is today one of five boroughs making up modern-day NYC. In history, it’s known for being purchased by Dutch colonists from Native Americans famously for goods worth $24.

Hudson River: A river running through eastern NY State into the Atlantic Ocean. It was a key route for trade and travel in early American history.

Dutch Colonization: The process by which the Dutch established colonies and trading outposts around the world, including North America.