Hein entered Dutch West India Company service in 1623 after years of discussion about how to organize western expansion. A separate company emerged instead of extending the East India Company's existing responsibilities. The Groot Desseyn sought to seize Portuguese Brazil and control the Atlantic trades connected with it, including the traffic in enslaved people. The prospect of commercial profit was closely tied to Dutch security. These ambitions supplied the setting for Hein's three major West India Company expeditions.
Chapter · 18:33-20:16
The West India Company and the Groot Desseyn
Hein entered West India Company service as Dutch planners linked attacks on Portuguese Brazil to security, commerce, and Atlantic control.