Willem Kieft

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For the Dutch footballer named Willem (Wim) Kieft, see Wim Kieft
Willem Kieft

In office
1638 – 1647
Preceded by Wouter van Twiller
Succeeded by Peter Stuyvesant

Willem Kieft (1597-1647) was a Dutch merchant and director-general of New Netherland (of which New Amsterdam, later New York City, was the primary settlement), from 1638 until 1647. He formed the council of twelve men, the first representative body in New Netherland, but ignored its advice. Kieft attempted to tax and eventually drive out the Native Americans, resulting in what would become known as Kieft's War (1643-1645) with the Native Americans. The war took a huge toll on both sides. Kieft was fired, and perished in a shipwreck nears Swansea on his way back to the Netherlands. His archive was also lost, so his exact role cannot be established.

Preceded by
Wouter van Twiller
Director-General of New Netherland
1638—1647
Succeeded by
Peter Stuyvesant
nl:Willem Kieft

fr:Willem Kieft no:Willem Kieft

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