The Exchange
The Treaty of Breda ended the Second Anglo-Dutch War. The principle of 'uti possidetis' (keeping what you possess) led to a historic exchange: England kept New Amsterdam (New York), while the Netherlands gained sovereignty over Suriname and the Run Islands.
"This treaty completely broke English resistance at the negotiating table. They were out of money and their fleet was in ruins."
Timeline of the Treaty of Breda
From the fall of New Amsterdam to the final peace.
1664
The Fall of New Amsterdam
Without firing a shot, the English force Governor Peter Stuyvesant to surrender. Manhattan becomes New York.
Significance: The loss of New Netherland was the direct cause of the Second Anglo-Dutch War.
1665
Start of the Second Anglo-Dutch War
The battle for world power at sea erupts between the two most powerful navies in the world.
Significance: The stakes of this war were the dominance of global trade.
Feb 1667
Abraham Crijnssen conquers Suriname
The Zeeland Admiral captures Fort Willoughby and renames it Fort Zeelandia.
Significance: This military victory gave the Netherlands a crucial trump card at the negotiating table.
May 1667
Start of Peace Negotiations
Diplomats gather at the Castle of Breda to bring an end to the conflict.
Significance: Breda was the center of world politics for months.
June 1667
The Raid on the Medway
Michiel de Ruyter destroys the English fleet in their own river, the Medway.
Significance: The greatest humiliation for the English Navy ever, which forced the peace in Breda.
July 31, 1667
Signing of the Treaty
Peace was signed. The Netherlands officially chooses Suriname over New York.
| Country | Keeps / Receives | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | Suriname & Run | 🎋 Sugar |
| England | New York | 🍎 Pelts |
Significance: Suriname is officially recognized as Dutch territory.
Oct 1667
Ratification: Peace is Final
Official documents are exchanged and ratified. The colonial empire is set.
Significance: The final confirmation of the territorial integrity of what was then Suriname.
Our Stance:
"The Treaty of Breda is de jure the birth certificate of Suriname in its colonial form."
Consulted Sources
Treaty of Breda (1667) - National Archives
Original treaty from the States-General archives (inventory 1.01.02, nr. 12588.7).
Cornelis Ch. Goslinga (UFDC)
"The Dutch in the Caribbean and on the Wild Coast 1580-1680" - Essential scholarly work on the region.
C.R. Boxer (Internet Archive)
"The Dutch Seaborne Empire 1600-1800" - Academic analysis of the Dutch colonial empire.
Historisch Nieuwsblad
Suriname Dossier: Articles on economic value and diplomatic settlement.