Introduction

Chapters in this book

1. Frontmatter 1
2. Contents 5
3. Preface 11
4. Introduction 13
5. 1 The First Military Actions Overseas (1590 – 1602/1621 ) 19
6. Part I. Expansion in Asia and South Africa 1602–1814
7. Map 54
8. 2 The Founding of an Asian Empire (1602 – 1635) 55
9. 3 Consolidating the Empire ( 1635–1685 ) 85
10. 4 Expanding the Empire ( 1685–1780 ) 123
11. 5 The Empire’s Downfall (1780–1811) 155
12. 6 VOC Soldiers and Seamen 181
13. 7 Naval Forces, Fortifications and Firepower 213
14. 8 Life on Shipboard and in Garrisons 245
15. Part II. Trading Posts and Colonies in the Atlantic 1621–1814
16. Map 268
17. 9 Expansion in the Atlantic ( 1621–1654) 269
18. 10 Securing Outposts and Colonial Possessions (1654–1780) 297
19. 11 From Company to Government (1780–1816) 325
20. 12 Non-European Enemies and Allies 343
21. 13 Soldiers and Sailors in the Atlantic 373
22. 14 Ships, Forts, and Weapons 403
23. Concluding Observations 427
24. Notes 438
25. Bibliography 462
26. List of Tables and Maps 479
27. About the Authors 480
28. Illustration Credits 481
29. Index 482