The Dutch East India Company, also known as the Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie (VOC), was formed in the year 1602. It was a multinational corporation that was founded by a group of Dutch merchants.

Background:
- In the late 16th century, the Dutch Republic was emerging as a major maritime power.
- The Dutch had a strong presence in the spice trade with the East Indies, which was highly lucrative.
- However, the Dutch traders faced stiff competition from other European powers, particularly the Portuguese and the Spanish.

Formation of the Dutch East India Company:
- In order to consolidate their position and compete effectively with their rivals, the Dutch merchants decided to unite their resources and form a joint-stock company.
- The formation of the Dutch East India Company was authorized by the States General of the Netherlands, the governing body of the Dutch Republic.
- On March 20, 1602, the company was granted a monopoly on Dutch trade in the East Indies for a period of 21 years.

Structure and Operations:
- The Dutch East India Company was a complex organization with a hierarchical structure.
- It was governed by a board of directors known as the Heeren XVII, who were elected by the company's shareholders.
- The company was involved in various activities, including trade, colonization, and the establishment of military and administrative structures in the East Indies.
- It had a fleet of ships, which were used for transporting goods, conducting trade, and defending the company's interests.

Significance:
- The Dutch East India Company played a crucial role in the history of European colonialism and global trade.
- It laid the foundation for the Dutch colonial empire in the East Indies, which eventually became the Dutch East Indies (present-day Indonesia).
- The company's success in the spice trade helped to fuel the Dutch Golden Age, a period of economic prosperity and cultural flourishing in the Dutch Republic.
- The Dutch East India Company also had a significant impact on the development of capitalism and the modern business corporation.

In conclusion, the Dutch East India Company was formed in the year 1602. It was a pioneering joint-stock company that played a major role in Dutch colonialism and global trade.