First_megacorporation_.281602.29 List_of_Dutch_inventions_and_discoveries

a coin (duit) minted in 1744 voc.

the dutch east india company arguably first megacorporation, possessing quasi-governmental powers, including ability wage war, imprison , execute convicts, negotiate treaties, coin money , establish colonies. many economic , political historians consider dutch east india company valuable, powerful , influential corporation in world history.

the voc existed 200 years founding in 1602, when states-general of netherlands granted 21-year monopoly on dutch operations in asia until demise in 1796. during 2 centuries (between 1602 , 1796), voc sent million europeans work in asia trade on 4,785 ships, , netted efforts more 2.5 million tons of asian trade goods. contrast, rest of europe combined sent 882,412 people 1500 1795, , fleet of english (later british) east india company, voc s nearest competitor, distant second total traffic 2,690 ships , mere one-fifth tonnage of goods carried voc. voc enjoyed huge profits spice monopoly through of 17th century.