Using Map (In the Textbook) 20

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The Answer is The East Indies refers to the islands of Southeast Asia, including modern-day Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Batavia, now known as Jakarta, is the capital city of Indonesia and was a key trading port for the Dutch East India Company. Java is the main island of Indonesia, and the Strait of Malacca is a narrow waterway between the Malay Peninsula and the island of Sumatra.

The Dutch managed to colonize this region through a combination of military force, strategic alliances with local rulers, and the establishment of trading posts and forts. They also utilized their naval power to control key trade routes and monopolize the spice trade, particularly in the Moluccas, which were known as the "Spice Islands."

The Dutch coveted the East Indies for its valuable natural resources, particularly spices such as nutmeg, cloves, and pepper. These commodities were in high demand in Europe and could be sold at exorbitant prices, providing the Dutch with immense wealth and power. Additionally, the East Indies provided a strategic foothold in the lucrative Asian trade network, allowing the Dutch to expand their influence and dominance in the region.

Using Map (In the Textbook) 20

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