Dutch dependence on commerce helped produce careers that crossed company service, privateering and naval command. Hein could belong to a trading company while retaining an admiral's role. Company members also held military and local political positions, or had relatives in those offices. The comparison with the English and British East India Company assigns the Dutch company greater influence within its own home state. A government run by corporations is offered as a rough modern analogy, explicitly qualified as a substantial oversimplification of Dutch institutions.
Chapter · 8:17-11:29
Merchant influence in Dutch government and naval service
Dutch company service overlapped with naval and civic office, giving commercial networks considerable influence over public affairs.