West India Company, Dutch

or Chartered West India Company (Geoctroyeerde West in disc he Compagnie). This Company was chartered by the States-General of the United Netherlands in 1621, at the instance of Willem U elinx. It was given a monopoly of trade with America for twenty-four years, with the right to colonize and to make wars and alliances. It colonized and governed New Nether land (till 1664) aud also certain West India islands and a part of Brazil. It was rechartered for twenty-five years in 1647. Its preoccupation with milibh tary efforts in Brazil prevented its doing much for New Nether land. (For the Swedish company of similar name see Swedish West India Company.) 369