The Dutch occupation of Brazil presents a number of pertinent and important questions that will form the fulcrum of the discussion in this paper. These are - the reasons for the Dutch invasion; the short as well as the long-term impact on Brazil and the reasons why the Dutch left Brazil. Furthermore, in the analysis of the historical data and sources a central aspect tends to manifest itself. This refers to the question as to whether the invasion by the Dutch was just another manifestation of colonization with the concom

The potential of Brazil in terms of resources and trade also attracted other European powers. In defiance of the Papal Treaty of Tordesillas, which had divided the New World between Portugal and Spain, France proceeded to invade Brazil for a share of the lucrative dyewood trade. In 1504 the French captain Gonneville of Honfleur traded goods with natives on the coast. The French refused to acknowledge the legitimacy of the Treaty of Tordesillas and considered Brazil as an open area for trade and exploration. 2

A further motivational and causative factor for the Dutch invasion was that the differences between Spain and the Netherlands increased, especially in terms of religious disagreements. As a result of this the Portuguese severed their ties with the Dutch. In response Holland attacked the Portuguese possessions. 9 This was to result in the aforementioned attack on Bahia. Later the Dutch were to take possession of Pernambuco, one of Brazil's most productive sugar areas. This occupation was to extend later to most of northeastern Brazil.

Other aspects that that are mentioned as proof of the positive effect of the Dutch occupation are the improved water supply by Dutch engineers, as well as the mapping of Recife and the Bahian coast. In effect, under the governorship of Nassau the city became cosmopolitan and influential.

This paper will attempt to show that there is a certain ambiguity in the historical response to the event of the Dutch invasion of Brazil. On the one hand there are those critics and commentators who see the events through the prism of post - colonial discourse and the view the Dutch intrusion and occupation as essentially negative. On the other hand there are those who argue that the invasion of Brazil had positive outcomes, even precipitating nation building. This ambiguity of responses and views will be explored through the historical data and sources.

The Luso-Brazilian population living in the area under Dutch control was dissatisfied were upset by the on restrictions Catholicism.18 This led to increased restless among Portuguese Catholic planters in Dutch Brazil. The ensuing rebellion was to have a devastating effect on the Dutch colony and "...the rebels swept the hinterland of Recife burning plantations and sugar-mills as they went." 19

This incursion into Brazil was also one of the most extensive and long lasting in that counties colonial history. It was to have a profound impact on the country - although this is an aspect that is debated by scholars. .Among the effects that Dutch colonial settlement had on the country were the various scientific and technological innovations. These innovations were largely responsible for the revitalization of the sugar industry. 15

There is little doubt that the there are many negative aspects to the Dutch occupation of Brazil. Holland was after all a colonial power which had invaded Brazil for economic gain and power and had imposed its will on the indigenous population. However, The Dutch occupation also has many short and long-term consequences which can be seen in a more positive light. It is also enlightening to note that the more positive aspects are often mentioned in older historical studies, while the more negative aspects feature in more contemporary research. This leads one to the possible conclusion that post colonial and modern interpretations tend to view the Dutch invasion in the light of other studies of colonial enterprises, while possibly ignoring some of the more positive aspects.

Some common words found in the essay are:
America Brazil, Brazil Furthermore, Holland French, Brazil Holland, Johan Maurits, Portuguese Beside, India Company, Dutch Brazil, Norte Itamaraca, Asia Portuguese, dutch invasion, invasion brazil, dutch occupation, west india company, west india, india company, colonization brazil, dutch west, reasons dutch, 17th century, dutch west india, brazil 17th century, effects dutch, dutch invasion brazil, dutch colonization brazil,
Approximate Word count = 3616
Approximate Pages = 14 (250 words per page double spaced)