English took control of New Amsterdam in 1664 from "summary" of The Dutch and Quaker Colonies in America, Vol. 1 of 2 by John Fiske
In 1664, New Amsterdam found itself under the control of the English. This transfer of power marked a significant turning point in the history of the Dutch and English colonies in America. The English, led by Colonel Richard Nicolls, arrived with a fleet of ships and demanded the surrender of the Dutch settlement. Peter Stuyvesant, the Dutch governor of New Amsterdam, was left with little choice but to comply. The English takeover of New Amsterdam was a relatively bloodless affair, with the Dutch residents largely accepting the change in leadership. The English promptly renamed the settlement New York in honor of the Duke of York, who had been granted the territory by his brother, King Charles II of England. The transition from Dutch to English rule was relatively smooth, with the English maintaining many of the existing Dutch laws and customs. The English victory in 1664 was not only a military conquest but also a diplomatic one. The Dutch had long struggled to assert their dominance in the New World, facing competition from the English, French, and Spanish. The English takeover of New Amsterdam solidified their position as a dominant colonial power in North America. The Dutch legacy in New York remained strong even after the English takeover. Many Dutch families continued to live in the area, preserving their language, culture, and traditions. The influence of the Dutch can still be seen in the architecture, place names, and customs of New York City and the surrounding region.- The English takeover of New Amsterdam in 1664 was a pivotal moment in colonial history. It marked the beginning of English dominance in the region and laid the foundation for the diverse and multicultural society that would come to define New York City and the surrounding area.
