Patroonship: A Dutch System of Land Granting

What was patroonship?

What was the purpose of granting tracts of land in New Netherland?

Answer:

A Dutch system of granting tracts of land in New Netherland to encourage colonization

Patroonship was a Dutch system developed during the 17th century in New Netherland, a Dutch colony located in North America. The main purpose of granting tracts of land in New Netherland was to encourage colonization and expand the territory of the colony. This system provided landholders from the Netherlands with the opportunity to establish settlements in the New World, thus increasing the Dutch presence in the region.

By granting tracts of land to individuals, the Dutch aimed to strengthen their control over the colony and ensure a sustainable source of resources from the New World. The role of the patroon, or landholder, extended beyond land ownership to include political and civil privileges over others within their territory.

Overall, patroonship was a key aspect of Dutch colonial policy in New Netherland, serving as a means to promote colonization, economic growth, and Dutch influence in the region.