Society of Suriname

Quick Facts: Who was Society of Suriname?

Subject:

Society of Suriname

Known for:

A powerful Dutch chartered company managing Suriname's colony for profit.

Born:

1683

Died:

1795

Century / Era:

1683s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Society of Suriname (Dutch: Sociëteit van Suriname) was a Dutch private company, modelled on the ideas of Jean-Baptiste Colbert and set up on 21 May 1683 to profit from the management and defense of the Dutch Republic's colony of Suriname. It had three participants, with equal shares in the costs and benefits of the society: the city of Amsterdam, the family Van Aerssen van Sommelsdijck, and the Dutch West India Company. Only through mutual consent could these shareholders withdraw from the society.

Career & Major Achievements

Although the organization and administration of the colony was limited to these three shareholders, all citizens of the Dutch Republic were free to trade with Suriname. Also, the planters were consulted in a Council of Police, which was a unique feature among the colonies of Guyana.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Its governors included Cornelis van Aerssen van Sommelsdijck, Johan van Scharphuizen, and Paulus van der Veen. The Society was nationalized by the Batavian Republic in November 1795, as the Patriottentijd deemed the governing of colonies by chartered companies a thing of the past.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1683: Birth of Society of Suriname — A powerful Dutch chartered company managing Suriname's colony for profit.
2. 1795: Passing & Historical Legacy — Society of Suriname passed away on 1795, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Notable Quotes by Society of Suriname

“The Society of Suriname was set up on 21 May 1683 to profit from the management and defense of the Dutch Republic's colony of Suriname.” (1683)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Society of Suriname

True or False: “True or false: The Society of Suriname was solely responsible for all trade conducted with the colony, restricting it only to its three founding shareholders.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): False. While the administration was limited to the three shareholders, all citizens of the Dutch Republic were free to trade with Suriname.

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• Alexander Griboyedov — Contemporary (Born in 1795) (1795): Russian diplomat, playwright, and poet, best known for 'Woe from Wit'
• Jean-Baptiste Colbert — Historical peer (Died in 1683) (1683): Architect of French mercantilism, Colbert reformed state finance and industry.
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• 1683 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1683
• 1795 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1795

Frequently Asked Questions about Society of Suriname