Dutch conquest Banda Islands Bandanese population nutmeg

Most Bandanese were killed, enslaved, or fled

~14,000 of ~15,000

The Dutch conquered the Banda Islands from 1609 to 1621 to enforce a nutmeg monopoly. Before the conquest, the islands had an estimated 15,000 people; around 14,000 were killed, enslaved, or fled. Those who remained were spread among nutmeg groves as forced laborers.

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Dutch conquest Banda Islands Bandanese population nutmeg

Most Bandanese were killed, enslaved, or fled

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