Dutch Batavia trade via Copenhagen 1795–1807. A study of colonial trade and neutrality

Abstract

European states in the eighteenth century were always concerned to tighten the economic bonds with their colonies: they attempted to do this, with varying success, by means of a closed ‘mercantilist’ system. In wartime, states which were weak at sea therefore suffered severely if communications with their colonies could be cut effectively. They usually reacted by trying to liberalise their ‘mercantilist’ systems so as to maintain communications with the aid of neutral shipping. Their adversaries on the other hand would have a vital interest in preventing this challenge to their command of the sea: parallel with the actual war a serious conflict would often develop between the belligerent powers and neutral maritime nations.

This study was made possible by a travel grant from Copenhagen University and a research grant from Statens Samfundsuidenskabelige Forskningsråd (the Danish Council for Research in the Social Sciences). To both bodies I extend sincere thanks.

This study was made possible by a travel grant from Copenhagen University and a research grant from Statens Samfundsuidenskabelige Forskningsråd (the Danish Council for Research in the Social Sciences). To both bodies I extend sincere thanks.

Notes

This study was made possible by a travel grant from Copenhagen University and a research grant from Statens Samfundsuidenskabelige Forskningsråd (the Danish Council for Research in the Social Sciences). To both bodies I extend sincere thanks.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ole FeldbÆk

Ole Feldbæk, born 1936, M. A. 1964 (history), Dr. Phil. 1970. Docent at Copenhagen University; Publications: India Trade under the Danish Flag 1772–1808. European Enterprise and Anglo-Indian Remittance and Trade (Copenhagen, 1969), and Dansk neutralitetspolitik under krigen 1778–1783. Studier i regeringens prioritering af politiske og økonomiske interesser (Copenhagen, 1971, with an English summary) dealing with the neutral Danish government's assessment of political and economic priorities during the American War of Independence. Dr. Feldback is at present working on the India trade of the Danish Asiatic Company 1732–1772 and on a university textbook on Danish history 1730–1814.