Willem Kieft
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
This article does not cite any references or sources. (December 2007) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed. |
- For the Dutch footballer named Willem (Wim) Kieft, see Wim Kieft
| Willem Kieft | |
|
|
|
|---|---|
| In office 1638 – 1647 |
|
| Preceded by | Wouter van Twiller |
| Succeeded by | Peter Stuyvesant |
|
|
|
| New Netherland series | |
|---|---|
| Colonies: | |
| Fortresses: | |
|
|
| The Patroon System |
|
| Directors-General of New Netherland: Cornelius Jacobsen Mey (1620-1625) |
|
| Influential people Adriaen van der Donck |
|
| Councils |
|
Willem Kieft (September 1597, Amsterdam - September 1647) was a Dutch merchant and director-general of New Netherland (of which New Amsterdam, later New York City, was the primary settlement), from 1638 until 1647. He formed the council of twelve men, the first representative body in New Netherland, but ignored its advice. Kieft attempted to tax and eventually drive out the Native Americans, resulting in what would become known as Kieft's War (1643-1645) with the Native Americans. The war took a huge toll on both sides. Kieft was fired, and perished in a shipwreck nears Swansea on his way back to the Netherlands. His archive was also lost, so his exact role cannot be established.
| Preceded by Wouter van Twiller |
Director-General of New Netherland 1638—1647 |
Succeeded by Peter Stuyvesant |
