From reading a bit and playing Colonization and Pirates!, I always thought the Dutch were merely good traders with good strategic sense.
Curacao was a Dutch island-colony right in the middle of the Spanish Main, yet the Spanish never managed to destroy it. New Amsterdam was also a perfect location, however it was soon taken over by the British - who soon after lost it to the American terrorist insurgents I mean, American independence fighters!
The Dutch also had one of the most effective navies before the British overpowered them. Admiral Michiel de Ruyter is perhaps the greatest admiral of all time. He kicked British arse in 1667 during the "Tocht naar Chatham."
And there's more wonderful things the Dutch did for America and the world! They murdered all natives on Curacao and on the isle of Manhatten (New Amsterdam). The Dutch made scalping a very profitable business (I said the Dutch were keen traders). Also, the Dutch introduced Black Slavery! All for freedom yeah!
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