Portuguese rule was tenuous until the island was divided with the Dutch Empire in 1860.

For Dutch colonial history, see the article on the Dutch Empire.

Eventually, the Ceylonese sought help from the Dutch Empire in their struggle for liberation.

The Dutch Empire used their skills in shipping and trade with other empires.

A similar pattern is seen in other colonial empires, such as the Dutch Empire.

Collectively, these territories are referred to as the Dutch Empire.

The town was part of the Dutch Empire until Indonesia won independence in 1945-49.

In 1753 the Dutch Empire established both a trading post and a fort on the island.

Slavery was abolished in the Dutch Empire in 1814.

Although slavery was illegal inside the Netherlands it flourished in the Dutch Empire, and helped support the economy.