Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

What was the purpose of the Dutch East India Company, as mentioned in the passage?

1. To foster peaceful trade relationships with Portugal

2. To maintain the Portuguese monopoly over spices

3. To break the Portuguese monopoly over the spice trade

4. To develop new trade routes to the Americas

The correct answer is: To break the Portuguese monopoly over the spice trade

The Dutch East India Company was established primarily to break the Portuguese monopoly over the spice trade, which had become a significant economic concern for other European powers during the 17th century. The company aimed to gain control over the lucrative spice islands, particularly in the Malay Archipelago, where valuable spices like cloves, nutmeg, and mace were produced. Through direct trade expeditions and establishing trading posts, the Dutch sought to reduce Portuguese influence in the region and increase their own dominance in the spice market. This allowed them to create a more competitive trading environment and ultimately shift the balance of trade power in favor of the Netherlands. While fostering relationships with other trading nations and expanding trade routes were secondary goals, the primary and driving purpose of the Dutch East India Company was indeed to dismantle the existing Portuguese control over the spice trade, making the chosen answer accurate in capturing the company's intentions and historical context.