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Replacing the Spanish as the wealthiest nation in the 18th century, the Dutch were a key proponent in managing the resources and profits gained from colonial North and South America.

The Dutch are a playable European civilization in Age of Empires III. They can be considered the successor state of Burgundy, which ruled over a large part of the Netherlands at its peak.

Home City[]

(Default) Explorer names
First names
Abel, Adriaen, Cornelius, Cryn, Dirck, Duke, Earl, Henry, Jacob, Jan, Jodocus, Lord, Michiel, Nicolas, Oliver, Pieter, Willem
Also includes as first names: Duke, Lord, Sir
Last names
Barents, Benckes, Block, Brunel, Carstanz, Dirrecksen, Evertsen, Fredericksz, Hartog, Heemskerck, Hondius, Hudson, Jantszoon, Jolinick, Jonassen, Mey, Minuit, Plockhoy, Rup, Stuyvesant, Tasman, de Ruyter, de Wassenaer

  • Fire eater Torchy - An entertainer who performs tricks with fire (1 point)
  • Juggler Juggler - A juggling performer (1 point)
  • Vendor Vendor Cart - A store on wheels hawking goods of all kinds (1 point)
  • Chatter Home City Chatter - Enable this to show comments made by citizens strolling through this city (1 point)
  • Bunting Patriotic Bunting - The citizens show their national pride by decorating with patriotic banners (1 point)
  • Tavern sign purple dragon Drake Expediters - A sign for a transportation company (1 point; replaces The Chieftain)
  • Tavern sign iroquois The Chieftain - A sign for an Ordinary Establishment (1 point; replaces Drake Expediters)
  • We-nwtc9 The Weigh House - A red and gold version of the Dutch New World Trade Center (Default)
  • We-nwtc10 The Dutch East India Company - A blue and white version of the Dutch New World Trade Center (1 point)
  • We-nwtc11 Vanderventer Trade and Export - A brown version of the Dutch New World Trade Center (1 point)
  • We-nwtc12 Nieuwekerk Market - A yellow and green version of the Dutch New World Trade Center (1 point)
  • We-nwtc13 K. and M. Holmes Mercantile - An upgraded red and gold version of the Dutch New World Trade Center (1 point)
  • We-nwtc14 The Nemo Company - An upgraded blue and white version of the Dutch New World Trade Center (1 point)
  • We-nwtc15 Good D.L. Traders - An upgraded brown version of the Dutch New World Trade Center (1 point)
  • We-nwtc16 The Deen Building - An upgraded yellow and green version of the Dutch New World Trade Center (1 point)

  • Bunting Patriotic Bunting - The citizens show their national pride by decorating with patriotic banners (1 point)
  • Tavern sign quarter master The Famous Explorer - A sign depicting a local explorer (1 point; choose one of The Famous Explorer, The Naturalist, and The Minister of War)
  • Tavern sign naturalist The Naturalist - A sign depicting a prominent natural philosopher (1 point; choose one of The Famous Explorer, The Naturalist, and The Minister of War)
  • Tavern sign The Minister of War - A sign depicting a powerful military commander (1 point; choose one of The Famous Explorer, The Naturalist, and The Minister of War)
  • Stable The Academy Stables - To train cavalry, there must be horses available (1 point)
  • Props3 Falconet - A recently repaired cannon (1 point)
  • We-academy9 Prince Willem Academy - The original version of the Dutch Academy's color scheme (Default)
  • We-academy10 The Royal Netherlands Academy - A red and gold version of the Dutch Academy's color scheme (1 point)
  • We-academy11 The Royal Military Academy - A blue and white version of the Dutch Academy's color scheme (1 point)
  • We-academy12 The Institute of Military Studies - A blue and gold version of the Dutch Academy's color scheme (1 point)
  • We-academy9 Academy of Military Science - An upgraded version of the original Dutch Academy (1 point)
  • We-academy14 The Advanced Hampton Institute - An upgraded version of the red and gold Dutch Academy (1 point)
  • We-academy15 The Marien Military Academy - An upgraded version of the blue and white Dutch Academy (1 point)
  • We-academy16 Gyger Academy of Military Arts and Sciences - An upgraded version of the blue and gold Dutch Academy (1 point)

  • Stagecoach The Royal Coach - This coach waits upon the whims of royalty (1 point)
  • Violin Musician - A strolling entertainer (1 point)
  • Preacher The Reverend - A street preacher sharing the good news (1 point)
  • Dut lightset1 Daytime Lighting - The city with the sun shining brightly (Default)
  • Dut lightset2 Evening Lighting - Another day ends for the Dutch capitol city (1 point)
  • Bunting Patriotic Bunting - The citizens show their national pride by decorating with patriotic banners (1 point)
  • We-cathedral1 Church of St. Bonifatius - The original version of the Dutch Cathedral's color scheme (Default)
  • We-cathedral2 Church of St. Martin - The red and gold version of the Dutch Cathedral's color scheme (1 point)
  • We-cathedral3 Church of St. Werenfried - A blue and white version of the Dutch Cathedral's color scheme (1 point)
  • We-cathedral4 Church of St. Eusebius - A green version of the Dutch Cathedral's color scheme (1 point)

  • Painter The Artist - An artist who sets up his easel and paints (1 point)
  • Thug Thug - A brutish and unpleasant fellow (1 point)
  • Bunting Patriotic Bunting - The citizens show their national pride by decorating with patriotic banners (1 point)
  • Tavern sign flying cat The Blue Cat - A sign for a wharfside drinking establishment (1 point; replaces Smiling Van's)
  • Tavern sign smiling man Smiling Van's - A sign for an rough seafarer's hangout (1 point; replaces The Blue Cat)
  • Street light grey Street Lamps - Technology making the streets safer at night (1 point)
  • Port factory1 Dutch West India Industries - The original color scheme for the Dutch Manufacturing Plant (Default)
  • Port factory2 Fokker Foundry - A red and gold version of the Dutch Manufacturing Plant (1 point)
  • Port factory3 Walraven Manufacturing - A blue and white version of the Dutch Manufacturing Plant (1 point)
  • Port factory4 De Vries Metalworks - An pink and blue version of the Dutch Manufacturing Plant (1 point)
  • Port factory5 Freedom Industries - Upgraded version of the original Dutch Manufacturing Plant (1 point)
  • Port factory6 J. Mark and Sons Foundry - Upgraded version of the red and gold Dutch Manufacturing Plant (1 point)
  • Port factory7 Iron Mountain Manufacturing - Upgraded version of the blue and white Dutch Manufacturing Plant (1 point)
  • Port factory8 Magic Metals - Upgraded version of the pink and blue Dutch Manufacturing Plant (1 point)

  • Drunk Drunk - A sailor who has overindulged in adult beverages (1 point)
  • Nicelady Nice Lady - A woman in a red dress (1 point)
  • Fisherman Fisherman - A man who would rather be fishing (1 point)
  • Bunting Patriotic Bunting - The citizens show their national pride by decorating with patriotic banners (1 point)
  • HC banner The Fleet Alert Banner - A furled banner alerts townsfolk that the fleet is in (1 point)
  • Fishing boat Fishing Boats - The fishing fleet is in and the boats ride lightly on the bay (1 point)
  • Fishing boat More Fishing Boats - More boats, ready to trawl the briny depths and feed a hungry empire (1 point)
  • Caravel icon The Caravel - The navy's light workhorse awaits cargo bound for the New World (1 point)
  • We-dock1 Christopher Van Doren, Harbor Master - Original version of the Dutch Harbor building's color scheme (Default)
  • We-dock2 Royal Office of Navigation - A red and gold version of the Dutch Harbor building's color scheme (1 point)
  • We-dock3 Van Gelder Harbor Charts - A blue and white themed version of Dutch Harbor building's color scheme (1 point)
  • We-dock4 Ministry of Naval Affairs - A green version of the Dutch Harbor building's color scheme (1 point)
  • We-dock13 A. Van Dyck, Harbor Officer - An upgraded version of the original Dutch Harbor building (1 point)
  • We-dock14 Rubens Shipping - An upgraded red and gold version of the Dutch Harbor building (1 point)
  • We-dock15 Vermeer New World Freight Office - An upgraded blue and white themed version of Dutch Harbor building (1 point)
  • We-dock16 New Amsterdam Cargo, Ltd. - An upgraded green version of the Dutch Harbor building (1 point)

Characteristics[]

Civilization bonuses[]

Unique units[]

  • Villager dutch merchant portrait Merchant: Dutch villager that costs coin but also gathers coin faster than a Settler.
  • Envoy aoe3de Envoy: Dutch reconnaissance unit with a good line of sight that benefits from villager upgrades.
  • Ruyter de Ruyter: Ranged cavalry armed with pistols. Good against cavalry and artillery.
  • Fluyt aoe3de Fluyt: Slow, powerful ship resistant to building fire that can train units.

Unique building[]

  • Bank aoe3de Bank: Dutch building that produces Coin.

Politicians[]

Revolutions[]

Overview[]

The Dutch Home City Cards provide many powerful defensive and economic upgrades. The Dutch usually start off as a defensive civilization, but this changes in later Ages after the Dutch establish Banks. After that, the Dutch colony is able to expand quickly.

Instead of Settlers, the Dutch have Merchants which cost coin, which gives them one of the slowest starts in the game. The Dutch economy, however, makes up for this with the ability to construct Banks, which generate coin constantly. Also, Dutch Merchants gather coin from mines faster right from the start. Dutch players have a Merchant cap of only fifty to compensate for the free and steady supply of coin; other civilizations get 99 villagers, except the Japanese (which have a cap of 75), the French (who have a cap of 80), and the Ottomans (who start with a population cap of 25, but can upgrade it to 99).

The Dutch have another unique civilian unit called the Envoy. The Envoy unit is extremely weak against other units, and it is more useful as a reconnaissance unit. The Dutch cannot build the Musketeer. However, the Halberdier and the Ruyter make up for this. The Dutch are also able to build the Skirmisher in the second age rather than the third (which upgrades them automatically and without any cost to Veteran Skirmisher).

The Dutch are one of the two European civilizations which do not get a two Falconet shipment in the Fortress Age, the other being the Germans.

Campaign appearances[]

In-game dialogue[]

Main article: Dutch dialogue lines

Dutch units speak the modern version of their namesake language, as seen for instance by "oké", which is the Dutch version of the modern English expression "OK".

Common[]

Select
  • Ja? - Yes?
  • Klaar - Ready
  • Commando - Command/Order
  • Hallo - Hello
Move
  • Ja - Yes
  • Oké - Okay
  • Ik ga - I'm going
  • Juist - Right
  • Ik doe het - I am doing it
Attack
  • Aanvallen! - Attack!
  • Ten oorlog! - To war!
  • Ja! - Yes!

Merchant[]

Note: for some reason there's no a separate "Male Build" line; instead, "Move" lines are used.

Explorer[]

Changelog[]

3Icon48px Age of Empires III[]

  • Dutch Settlers gather coin 15% faster.

Age3DE Icon Definitive Edition[]

Age3DE Icon The African Royals[]

Age3DE Icon Knights of the Mediterranean[]

History[]

Holland in 1500 was a small European nation, but extremely energetic, practical, and progressive, with a strong emphasis on trade. Particularly in the northern provinces, the Dutch embraced Protestant Christianity during the sixteenth century, supplanting Catholicism. They were aggressive and dynamic traders, well-positioned to transport goods to and from the Baltic and North Atlantic, and the interior of Europe up the Rhine River. They built efficient ships that carried large cargoes with small crews. Very limited in land, they developed an intense agriculture and began reclaiming lowlands from the sea.

By accident of marriage and inheritance, control of the now largely Protestant Holland shifted to Catholic Spain in the mid-sixteenth century, and Spanish kings sought, in turn, to supplant Protestantism within their realm. This led to a revolt against Spain. Although at a great disadvantage in overall wealth and power, the Dutch proved a tough opponent and drew allies to their side. By 1609 Holland was virtually independent.

In the era of colonial expansion by great empires, the Dutch pursued business opportunities. They were soon engaged in the trade with the Americas, despite Spanish attempts to exclude non-allies. The efficiency of their ships made them attractive as low-cost carriers. They built a business carrying and processing sugar and other goods out of Portuguese Brazil. When the Spanish allied with Portugal and closed the Portuguese ports to the Dutch, the Dutch seized several islands, including Aruba and Curaçao.

In 1610 Henry Hudson explored the North American coast and rediscovered both the river now named after him and the great harbor of modern-day New York City. After several trading voyages to the area seeking furs, the Dutch planted a small trading outpost up the river near Albany in 1614 and later a more permanent settlement on Manhattan Island. The relatively few colonists were more interested in trade profits than in establishing a lasting and well-defended colony. New Amsterdam fell easily to a British fleet commanded by the Duke of York in 1664. The Dutch regained it briefly in 1673, but ceded it permanently to Britain in 1674.

The Dutch made their biggest mark in the East Indies. Following in the wake of the Portuguese around Africa in the early 1600s, agents of the Dutch East India Company took over much of the East India trade, together with England.

Trivia[]

  • The flag used by the Dutch in Age of Empires III is a double Princevlag with the orange stripes changed to red that has been in use since 1572, although it is no longer commonly used today.[1] It was changed to the standard three-striped Princevlag (1572–1795) in the Definitive Edition.
    • According to a unused textures in the game files (dutch.ddt), the Dutch flag in the game would be the Flag of Netherlands (used by the Kingdom of Netherlands between 1813–present) with the Coat of arms of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the center.
  • Female Dutch Merchants are the only ones to say their respective dialogues for building, while the male Merchants only use the generic Dutch dialogues instead.
  • The Dutch originally had the Crossbowman, and there are unused voice files for Dutch Crossbowmen in the scenario editor and game files.
  • The Dutch could train Musketeers normally in the Barracks in the beta; they can still send Musketeers through the Stadhouders upgrade at the Church.
  • The Dutch and the Portuguese are the only civilizations to make no appearance in the Age of Empires III campaign, with the Dutch being the only civilization of the original game to make no appearance, not even in the new Historical Battles of the Definitive Edition. However, they appear in the third scenario of The Art of War.
  • The architecture style of the Dutch post Exploration Age is mainly timber framing. This is historically inaccurate as this style was used predominantly in Europe while Dutch colonies in North America used Dutch colonial baroque instead. The Bank building uses the proper Dutch style.
  • The West India Trading Company building in the Dutch Home City is based on the Waag of Amsterdam.
  • Although the Dutch do not appear in Age of Empires II, the Burgundians (as in the Burgundian Netherlands) have some similarities. They both have good but complex economy, possess arguably one of the most prominent gunpowder units and can counter cavalry with their royal/unique infantry unit. Both lack a military advantage in the early game, and are regarded as a booming civilization. Additionally, they can collect gold/coin through other means: the Dutch can build Banks, whereas the Burgundians can acquire gold from farming once Burgundian Vineyards has been researched. One difference is that the Dutch have an arguably strong navy thanks to their Fluyt, while the Burgundian navy is considered average at best. On the other hand, the Burgundians have much more powerful cavalry units than the Dutch.

Gallery[]

References[]

Civilizations in Age of Empires III
AfricanFlag Ethiopian aoe3de Ethiopians · Flag Hausa Hausa
AmericanFederal American: Flag MexicanDE Mexicans · Flag American act3 aoe3de United States
Native American: Flag AztecDE Aztecs · Flag IroquoisDE Haudenosaunee (formerly Iroquois) · Flag IncanDE Inca · Flag SiouxDE Lakota (formerly Sioux)
AsianFlag ChineseDE Chinese · Flag IndianDE Indians · Flag JapaneseDE Japanese
EuropeanFlag BritishDE British · Flag DutchDE Dutch · Flag FrenchDE French · Flag GermanDE Germans · Flag ItalianDE Italians · Flag MalteseDE Maltese · Flag OttomanDE Ottomans · Flag PortugueseDE Portuguese · Flag RussianDE Russians · Flag SpanishDE Spanish · Flag SwedishDE Swedes · Polish · Danes
Minor
AfricanAkan Settlement Icon Akan · Berber Settlement Portrait Berbers · Somali Settlement Portrait Somalis · Sudanese settlement portrait Sudanese · Yoruba settlement portait Yoruba
AsianBhakti aoe3de Bhakti Temple · Jesuit aoe3de Jesuit Mission · Native shaolin site icon portrait Shaolin Temple · Sufi aoe3de Sufi Mosque · AOE3DE Tengri Tengri Shrine · Udasi aoe3de Udasi Temple · Zen aoe3de Zen Temple
EuropeanBourbon icon portrait-1 House of Bourbon · Habsburg icon portrait-1 House of Habsburg · Hanover icon portrait-1 House of Hanover · Jagiellon icon portrait-1 House of Jagiellon · Oldenburg icon portrait-1 House of Oldenburg · Phanar icon portrait-1 House of Phanar · Vasa icon portrait-1 House of Vasa · Wettin icon portrait-1 House of Wettin · Wittelsbach icon portrait-1 House of Wittelsbach
Native AmericanApache aoe3de Apache · Aztec native icon aoe3de Aztecs · Carib aoe3de Carib · Cherokee aoe3de Cherokee · Cheyenne aoe3de pre update Cheyenne · Comanche icon aoe3de Comanche · Cree aoe3de Cree · Iroquois aoe3de Haudenosaunee · Huron aoe3de Huron · Klamath settlement portrait Klamath · Sioux aoe3de Lakota · Lenape warrior portrait Lenape · Mapuche icon aoe3de Mapuche · Maya aoe3de Maya · Navajo aoe3de Navajo · Nootka aoe3de Nootka · Inca native icon aoe3de Quechua (formerly Incas) · Seminole aoe3de Seminole · Tupi aoe3de Tupi · Zapotec icon aoe3de Zapotec
Other
CampaignUnited States flag revolt DE Black Family Estate · EIC Flag AoE3DE British · Circle of ossus Circle of Ossus · Flag John Black's Mercenaries DE John Black's Mercenaries · Flag Maltese Cross Knights of St. John · Flag American act3 aoe3de United States
Historical BattlesBarbary States flag revolt Barbary Pirates · Flag CanadianDE Canadians · Flag Ethiopian aoe3de Ethiopians · Flag Moroccan Moroccans · Flag Somali aoe3de Somalians · Flag Tatars aoe3de Tatars · Flag American act3 aoe3de United States
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