2011-11-06

You Speak Dutch?

Aside from soccer and having a Dutch contact in Holland, I've neglected to cover their role and subsequent influence in American history. I mean, a people who discovered New York (formerly ne New Amsterdam) for European settlement they sure don't get too much consideration. Largely due, I reckon, to the reality the Dutch were assimilated into Anglo-American culture.

Even in film the Dutch are largely spared from any negative or positive portrayal or stereotyping. It's all timing. The invention of film and its growth happen to coincide with the arrival of newer immigrants like Jews from Europe, blacks, the Irish and Italians.

In any event, despite their cautious attitude and coming from a tiny landmass, Holland did manage to fling at history ane empire that stretched as far out as Asia. Amsterdam comortably took over as a hub for capitalism and banking once Florence fell.
Here's a nice summary of the Dutch experience.

Another here.

Old Dutch chips are on special I hear.

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