Navtej S. Ahuja
Professor Maciuika
Shaping the Future of NYC
4 March, 2014
Peter Stuyvesant is often remembered for one event; surrendering the island of Manhattan (known as New Netherland at the time) to the English. Often glossed over by those studying the history of what is now perhaps the greatest metropolis of the world, his work was vital towards the long- term success of New York City.
When most of us learn about the history of New York in high school, we simply remember Stuyvesant as the man who could not defend his colony from the more powerful British. He came across as a weak, peg- legged leader and a laughingstock of sorts. However, as is pointed out in Island at the Center of the World, Peter Stuyvesant was a man who valued progress, had strictly defined goals, and was hardly a pushover.
It turns out that Stuyvesant, who vehemently attempted to defend the colony from the English, was unsuccessful in doing so due to a lack of support from his superiors. The author points to the fact that, although he did not support his superiors’ decision, he was forced to defend it in front of an even more disgruntled public.
However, Stuyvesant was able to administer many progressive changes during his stint as Director- General of New Netherland. As conflicts with neighboring Native Americans increased, he was able to use diplomatic means to put an end to the bloodshed. During his time as Director- General, he was able to increase the commercial activity of New Netherland as well to increase public prosperity.
Despite the progress, not all was rosy under Stuyvesant’s regime. He placed extreme limits on religious freedom, slowing down the integration of other Christian denominations, Jews, and even Quakers. Despite his best efforts, minorities were allowed to settle in the area, although there were restrictions on certain things such as the building of Synagogues for Jewish settlers.
Peter Stuyvesant was not a man who simply handed over New York City to the English. He was a man of power, principles, and bigotry in some cases. He is definitely worth more than a footnote in history.
