UPSC Exam  >  UPSC Questions  >  The Dutch and the English entered the East as... Start Learning for Free
The Dutch and the English entered the East as friend against the common enemy, the Portuguese. However, their commercial rivalry led to the massacre of the Englishman by the Dutch at
  • a)
    Amboyna
  • b)
    Malacca
  • c)
    Surat
  • d)
    Calicut
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
The Dutch and the English entered the East as friend against the commo...
Historical Context
In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, the Dutch and the English both sought to expand their trade networks in Asia, primarily targeting the lucrative spice trade which was dominated by the Portuguese. Initially, both nations formed a temporary alliance against this common enemy, the Portuguese Empire.
Commercial Rivalry
As both the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and the English East India Company (EIC) began to establish their footholds in Asia, their interests increasingly clashed. This rivalry intensified as each sought to secure exclusive trade routes and monopolize spices and other resources.
Massacre at Amboyna
The culmination of this rivalry became evident in 1623 with the infamous Amboyna massacre:
- The Dutch accused several English merchants and a number of Japanese traders of conspiring against them.
- Under pressure and torture, many were forced to confess to false charges.
- Ultimately, 20 Englishmen were executed in a brutal display of Dutch power, marking a significant turning point in Anglo-Dutch relations.
Significance of the Incident
The Amboyna massacre had far-reaching consequences:
- It solidified the animosity between the English and Dutch, leading to a series of conflicts over trade supremacy in Asia.
- This event is often considered a catalyst for the decline of amicable relations and a precursor to later wars between the two nations.
In summary, the massacre at Amboyna stands as a pivotal moment in the history of European colonial competition in Asia, illustrating how commercial rivalry can escalate into violent confrontations.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Similar UPSC Doubts

Top Courses for UPSC

The Dutch and the English entered the East as friend against the common enemy, the Portuguese. However, their commercial rivalry led to the massacre of the Englishman by the Dutch ata)Amboynab)Malaccac)Suratd)CalicutCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
The Dutch and the English entered the East as friend against the common enemy, the Portuguese. However, their commercial rivalry led to the massacre of the Englishman by the Dutch ata)Amboynab)Malaccac)Suratd)CalicutCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about The Dutch and the English entered the East as friend against the common enemy, the Portuguese. However, their commercial rivalry led to the massacre of the Englishman by the Dutch ata)Amboynab)Malaccac)Suratd)CalicutCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for The Dutch and the English entered the East as friend against the common enemy, the Portuguese. However, their commercial rivalry led to the massacre of the Englishman by the Dutch ata)Amboynab)Malaccac)Suratd)CalicutCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for The Dutch and the English entered the East as friend against the common enemy, the Portuguese. However, their commercial rivalry led to the massacre of the Englishman by the Dutch ata)Amboynab)Malaccac)Suratd)CalicutCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for UPSC. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for UPSC Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of The Dutch and the English entered the East as friend against the common enemy, the Portuguese. However, their commercial rivalry led to the massacre of the Englishman by the Dutch ata)Amboynab)Malaccac)Suratd)CalicutCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of The Dutch and the English entered the East as friend against the common enemy, the Portuguese. However, their commercial rivalry led to the massacre of the Englishman by the Dutch ata)Amboynab)Malaccac)Suratd)CalicutCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for The Dutch and the English entered the East as friend against the common enemy, the Portuguese. However, their commercial rivalry led to the massacre of the Englishman by the Dutch ata)Amboynab)Malaccac)Suratd)CalicutCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of The Dutch and the English entered the East as friend against the common enemy, the Portuguese. However, their commercial rivalry led to the massacre of the Englishman by the Dutch ata)Amboynab)Malaccac)Suratd)CalicutCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice The Dutch and the English entered the East as friend against the common enemy, the Portuguese. However, their commercial rivalry led to the massacre of the Englishman by the Dutch ata)Amboynab)Malaccac)Suratd)CalicutCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice UPSC tests.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Top Courses for UPSC

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev