Why did Henry Hudson sail for the Dutch?
Henry Hudson's Journey for the Dutch
In 1609, Hudson joined the Dutch East India Company as a commander. He took charge of the Half Moon with the objective of discovering a northern route to Asia by heading north of Russia. However, he faced challenges as the route was blocked by ice and harsh weather conditions.
Therefore, Hudson decided to sail west to seek a western passage to the Orient. He believed that by navigating westward, he could find a shorter and more efficient route to reach Asia and establish trade relationships with the region.
Henry Hudson's Quest for a Northern Passage
Henry Hudson wanted to find a northern passage to India.He theorized that since the sun shined most of the summer on the North Pole, the ice there would melt, allowing for safe passage during the summer months. Hudson was intrigued by the idea of sailing over the top of the world to reach India, bypassing the traditional routes that were controlled by other European powers.
Driven by ambition and the desire for exploration, Henry Hudson embarked on his journey with the hope of finding new lands, establishing trade routes, and making significant discoveries that would benefit the Dutch East India Company and himself.