The Dutch came to North America in the early 1600s mainly to make money through trade. They founded the colony of New Netherland and focused on getting beaver furs, which were valuable in Europe. To support this trade, they formed business relationships with Indigenous groups who hunted the animals. In exchange for furs, the Dutch provided goods like tools, cloth, alcohol, and weapons. The Dutch did not try to build large settlements or change Indigenous cultures, and they were not focused on spreading religion.
At first, the Dutch and Indigenous groups worked together to help each other. The Dutch needed furs, and Indigenous groups saw value in the goods the Dutch offered. One of the most important items the Dutch traded was ammunition and guns. Some Indigenous groups, like the Iroquois, used these weapons to protect themselves and expand their territory. This sometimes led to conflict with other tribes that did not have access to the same weapons. Even though some Dutch traders were dishonest, both sides continued trading because it was so profitable.
Over time, tensions between the Dutch and Indigenous groups began to grow. Although the Dutch did not try to convert Indigenous people or force them to follow Dutch customs, problems began to arise in other areas. The Dutch often charged for goods and services, such as repairing tools or weapons, which made them seem less generous than other Europeans. They also passed laws to stop alcohol sales to Indigenous people, but these were mostly ignored because traders could make a profit selling beer and brandy. Trade disagreements and different views on fairness created conflict. Still, there were times when Indigenous people used Dutch law to resolve disputes, and Dutch leaders sometimes ruled in their favor.
Land ownership became a major source of conflict. The Dutch believed buying land meant they owned it forever. Many Indigenous people, however, believed land belonged to the community and could not be permanently sold. When the Dutch expected to keep land without further payment, some Indigenous groups felt they had been cheated. These misunderstandings led to more disagreements, and the relationship between the Dutch and Indigenous peoples became more strained over time.