Chapter 96: The Anglo-Dutch War Begins
In the midst of Vijay's vibrant life, a sombre atmosphere enveloped another part of the world.
Batavia VOC headquarters, East India region.
Hendrick van Rheede urgently convened a meeting for the shareholders upon receiving the news of the disastrous defeat in India.
As he read the report, Hendrick couldn't believe what he saw. The great Dutch army, defeated in such a Lowely country—it was beyond his imagination. Refusing to accept the reality, he felt a surge of anger. But sadly The returned merchant ships from Lanka affirmed the unexpected truth, forcing him to reluctantly acknowledge the facts.
Filled with venomous frustration, Hendrick couldn't comprehend how a kingdom built by those mudlegs could overpower the mighty Dutch navy and the army. He was Furious as he contemplated arranging an emergency meeting to involve the Dutch Republic directly in the situation, proposing a declaration of war against Vijayanagara. He wanted to see how that "country of Bumpkins" would withstand such a formidable force.
In the meeting, Hendrick began his speech somberly, stating, "Ladies and gentlemen, it is with the deepest sorrow that I bring you the news of our failure in the expedition to capture Vijayanagar, leading to the crumbling of our plans for the Indian subcontinent. As you can see in the documents I have submitted, this is the report of the battle that I have gathered so far.
Unfortunately, the details of the expedition on Vijayanagara's land could not be retrieved, and we still don't know the methods the Vijayanagara Empire used to defeat the Dutch army. However, one thing is certain: they took our battleships and waged an unjust war against our island.
We cannot tolerate this. We have invested significant resources in cultivating that island. In the latest news received from Lanka, it is stated that Vijayanagara is swiftly taking control of the entire island, integrating it into the Vijayanagara Empire. The traitors among our people in Lanka are hunting our people one by one, and only our core-level spy operations may still be in operation in Lanka, providing some utility for us."
Henrik stated all this with one breath, his face fuming as he desired nothing more than to strangle whoever was responsible for this mess.
However, recalling that he was in the presence of distinguished guests and noticing the frowning expressions on their faces, he quickly apologized for his outburst and continued.
"I am deeply sorry for my outburst, sirs, and Your Highness, but the company is in a critical situation now. We have spent a lot of resources on this expedition, and if we do not find a breakthrough quickly, the company might face bankruptcy. Currently, we are managing the company with the help of our South Asian colonies, but the distance from the mainland makes it harder to transport the proceeds of our investments here, which can barely keep the company afloat. Precisely for this reason, we had chosen India before for its richness in precious metals, gold, silver, and spices, which are more efficient and economical for transport, no matter how far."
He said with a sad expression on his face, but he quickly got furious again as he concluded, "So, sirs and Your Highness, I suggest that the Dutch Republic directly intervene in this operation and teach that country bumpkin a lesson. Vijayanagara is a very wealthy place, with fertile land, abundant human and water resources, and its central position between Asia, Africa, and Oceania makes it very convenient for naval trades with any country in the world."
Among the men who were contemplating the information they just received, there was one person who had a determined look on his face, as if he had already decided on the conclusion for this farce.
This person was none other than the representative from the Dutch royal family, the House of Oranje-Nassau, Prince William van Oranje-Nassau.
He took a deep breath and suddenly stood up.
"This won't be necessary; we will put this issue away for a while longer," he stated, startling everyone. In the doubtful looks of everyone present, Prince William explained his reasoning.
"While what Hendrick said is true, and we have a lot to gain by conquering this nation, now that the VOC has failed, the Dutch government does not have the time or resources to wage a war in foreign waters, especially at this delicate time. Perhaps if we can get through this safely, we can try to conquer India again," Prince William said with a sombre tone.
"Delicate time?"
"..."
"..."
Everyone was startled by this revelation. The fact that the prince of the royal family would assert that a world power like theirs had to halt operations in foreign waters for a while could only mean that they were having a conflict with another great power.
They were startled by the conclusion that they came to themselves and questioned, "Your Highness, you mean..."
"Yes, you all guessed it right. We are in a war against another great naval power," Prince William stated somberly. Just when Hendrick wanted to question who it was, the Prince's next words left everyone stunned, glued to their seats, looking at each other's faces with disbelief written on their expression. "It's the British," Prince William concluded with a sigh, "I originally came to this meeting hoping that we had succeeded in conquering Vijayanagara, which would then help in financing the war. Looks like all my hopes were for naught."
Saying that Prince William left for the Netherlands with the unsettling news, knowing that the Republic wouldn't welcome the developments.
A week ago, in London, the British Empire.
Oliver Cromwell, the current head of state of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the head of the British Empire, after intense discussions and deliberations with the members of the parliament and ministers, came up with the Navigation Act. The aim of the Navigation Acts was to promote the English shipping industry, control colonial trade, establish a monopoly on certain commodities, limit foreign competition, and strengthen naval power.
Despite knowing that this bill would offend other naval powers, it was passed smoothly in the parliament due to the huge benefits it promised. Sir Oliver Cromwell eventually signed the bill, considering that with its passing, the naval industry of the British would surpass all other countries in the world. Given that they are an island nation, there wasn't much threat from the land. The next day, various nobles, gentlemen, and citizens of the British Empire received the news about the British Navigation Act.
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Navigation Act of 1652
Official Decree
An Act for the Encouragement of Trade
Whereas it is the duty of this Parliament to secure and advance the economic interests and maritime strength of the Commonwealth of England, it is hereby decreed:
Article I: Transportation in English Ships
All goods imported into the Commonwealth of England or its colonies shall be conveyed solely in English ships or vessels hailing from the country of origin of said goods.
Article II: Enumerated Commodities and English Vessels
The transportation of specified "enumerated commodities," including but not limited to tobacco, sugar, cotton, wool, and indigo, to England or English colonies, shall be exclusively conducted by English vessels. This provision aims to establish a monopoly on the trade of such commodities for the benefit of English merchants and shipowners.
Article III: Regulation of Colonial Trade
Goods originating from the colonies and destined for foreign markets shall pass through English ports before re-exportation. This regulation is instituted to facilitate oversight and taxation of colonial trade.
Article IV: Duties on Foreign Plantation Goods
Duties shall be imposed on goods produced in foreign plantations and imported into the Commonwealth of England. Exceptions to these duties may be granted for certain goods, as determined by this Parliament, especially if derived directly from English colonies.
Article V: Penalties for Violations
Any person found in violation of the stipulations set forth in this decree shall be subject to penalties, including fines and forfeitures of goods. Such punitive measures are intended to deter and prevent circumvention of the regulations herein established.
In Witness Whereof, We, the representatives of the Commonwealth of England, have set our hands and seals, enacting this Navigation Act on December 1652.
Signed and Sealed:
[Oliver Cromwell And the Parliment]
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