In history, England had portrayed itself as a nation that rapidly expanded its empire. During Queen Elizabeth’s reign, the nation had control of various colonies. However, in The Island at the Center of the World, Russell Shorto portrays England as a nation that was behind others. It wasn’t always a powerful nation with control over various territories. Rather, it had struggled from the domination of Spain. Furthermore, explorers like Henry Hudson had to repeatedly turn to Muscovy Company for support. Unlike other European nations, England wasn’t a nation that was eager to search for a passageway to East Asia. At this time, this nation seemed rather isolated while it lagged behind other nations.

In the novel, this culture is contrasted with that of the Dutch. One drastic difference was that the Dutch had high tolerance for different religions and growth of knowledge. Naturally, exploration of America was fostered under this culture. It came as a surprise that England would ultimately dominate the colonies that were established in America. The Dutch had explored The New World at an early stage, yet they were unable to maintain control over their territory. Why did the Dutch base their political structure off the decisions of Kieft, rather than create a structure similar to that of other European countries?

Many history books tend to illustrate the Dutch as merely a group of businessmen that had settled in New Amsterdam. However, Shorto expands on this even though key documents from the Dutch era had been destroyed. Shorto has depicted a culture that placed their focus behind power and greed. The Dutch was a nation that valued knowledge, exploration and tolerance. It is unfortunate that this nation was unable to maintain its control of New Amsterdam.

Although the Dutch were unable to continue its legacy, Manhattan had retained the economic culture of the Dutch. Dutch settlers were the first ones who expanded the idea of trade amongst its settlers. This was the beginning of the financial center it is today. Like today, the Dutch had “an intensively active merchant class—people who wanted to buy, sell, grow, spend” (105).

Melody Mark
03/04/2014