Paper short abstract:

This presentation will assess how Dutch and Portuguese co-existed in New Holland, demonstrating whether religion, 'nationality' or war have hindered (or not), their day-to-day interaction.

Paper long abstract:

Between the years of 1630 and 1654 the Dutch West India Company (WIC) occupied and administered part of the Portuguese Colonial Territories of America. This short lived colony is known as Dutch Brazil or New Holland. In the literature concerning this subject, it has been claimed that due to religious differences, Dutch colonists and the Portuguese or moradores, did not interact, but kept each other at arm's length. By using the methodology of Microhistory it has been possible to follow the life of Johan van Razenbergh - a former WIC official who became a merchant in New Holland, holding thus, a unique position in the colonial society. Using his correspondence, we will trace his business and social connections and how he interacted daily with his associates.

This presentation will be divided into three parts. Firstly, we will challenge the notion that Dutch and Portuguese settlers in New Holland did not interact, by showing Razenbergh's economical and social role in the colony and with whom he interacted. Secondly, we will demonstrate whether his case reflects or not, the attitude of WIC officials, WIC colonists or free people (vrijeluiden) in their daily co-existence with the Portuguese. Thirdly we will discussed if the concepts of religion, 'nationality' or the continuing conflicts within Europe and in the colony have (or not) hindered Dutch - Portuguese liaisons.