The colonization of North America paved the way for the first true mixing pot of various global cultures in a relatively closed space. After the initial colonization of the Americas by the Spanish, many other European countries followed suit. Of these European countries, including Portugal and France, located mainly on the eastern shore, not much penetrated the mainland of the Americas. Seen as an opening for economic expansion and a viable opportunity to become a global power. Investor-supported voyages and expeditions in the early 17th century proved to play a vital role in the development of prosperous and populated colonies. Of these original colonies, a Dutch-financed voyage landed a share in the area now known as New York along with the New England colonies. The impact and dominance of essentially the Dutch on early New York can be seen through its cultural persistence and economic status prevalent to this day. Dutch control of the Hudson River Valley originated with the onset of economic interests, initiated by the Dutch East India Company. Founded in 1602, the Dutch East India Company emerged to control and preserve all Asian instances of colonial trade and exchange, particularly in areas such as the Indian Ocean, among other fierce European competitors. Seeking a shorter, more profitable passage through the northeastern region around Norway, the Dutch East India Company enlisted Henry Hudson, a keen sailor and explorer born around the mid-16th century. After a few unsuccessful voyages (about three attempts) to find such a passage, attention shifted to finding a Northwest Passage across the Atlantic. Crossing the Atlantic, finally reaching the shores of modern Mass......middle of paper......merchandise, modern New York still bears alarming similarities to that of the 17th century.Works Cited1. Henry W. Elson, History of the United States of America, 1647-1664, The MacMillan Company, New York 1904.2. Darcy R. Fryer "New Holland". In Smith, Billy G. and Gary B. Nash, eds. Encyclopedia of American History: Colonization and Settlement, 1608 to 1760, Revised Edition (Volume II). New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2010. American History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE52&iPin=EAHII290&SingleRecord=True (accessed June 8, 2014).3. Oliver A. Rink, Holland on the Hudson: An Economic and Social History of Dutch New York (Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 1986)4. Joseph S. Tiederman, Reluctant Revolutionaries: New York City and the Road to Independence, 1763-1776, Cornell University Press, 1997.