Dutch Territory of Zeeboe (1649 - 1942) By Panzerbyte Watch

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When in the Dutch declared their war of independence (Eighty Years´ War) in 1568, they did so against the political hegemony of Philip II of Spain over the Seventeen Provinces. The Dutch colonial empire was of a great scale in Asia, and the trade contributed a lot to their war efforts. The Philippines was a part of the Spanish East Indies and named after Philip II, and this foothold in Asia threatened the trade in the Dutch East Indies. On July 15, 1649, a Dutch armada made its way to Manila to gain control over the archipelago. They were eventually defeated in battle, and withdrew with what was left of their expedition towards the island of Cebu.

By some miracle, the port of Cebu city ill-defended, and was taken within mere hours. Word was sent to the in the meantime independent from Spanish rule, Dutch Republic. It took months before a message came back - but it was not just a message that came; a reinforcing fleet with soldiers, supplies and colonists. Throughout the years skirmishes were not uncommon, but eventually in 1667, the Spanish King Charles II, last Habsburg ruler of Spain, would officially settle the matter with the Treaty of Cavite to recognize the island of Cebu as rightful Dutch territory.

The island would adopt Dutch names and culture, and in the Dutch Republic Cebuano food became true delicacies. As of then, it would be known as Zeeboe.

1942 was the year the Kingdom of the Netherlands lost Zeeboe to the Japanese Empire permanently, as after the second world war Zeeboe was returned to the now independent Philippines.

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