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Kieft, Willem

The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military | 2001 | Copyright

Kieft, Willem (1597–1647) born in Amsterdam, director of New Netherland (1638–47), an American colony of the Dutch West India Company. His dictatorial policies, particularly in relation to the local Indian tribes, led to the Dutch-Indian War (1640–45) and a brutal massacre of Weckquaskee Indians (1643). He ruled by decree and effectively thwarted colonists' attempts to establish a more representative government. Because of numerous complaints, the West India Company recalled him in 1647. He was lost at sea when the ship returning him sank en route.

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"Kieft, Willem." The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"Kieft, Willem." The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O63-KieftWillem.html

"Kieft, Willem." The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military. 2001. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O63-KieftWillem.html

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Willem Kieft

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2011 | Copyright

Willem Kieft , 1597–1647, Dutch director-general of New Netherland . Arriving in New Amsterdam in 1638 to succeed Wouter Van Twiller , Kieft immediately assumed absolute control. His arbitrary rule and tactless handling of the Native Americans resulted in almost continuous Native American warfare during his administration. He was replaced by Peter Stuyvesant (1647) and was lost at sea on his way to Holland.

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"Willem Kieft." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"Willem Kieft." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Kieft-Wi.html

"Willem Kieft." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Kieft-Wi.html

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Kieft, Willem

The Oxford Companion to American Literature | 1995 | | Copyright

Kieft, Willem (1597–1647), governor of New Netherland (1638–47), noted for his autocratic policies and for causing a long, bloody Indian war. Irving satirizes him as William the Testy in his History of New York.

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James D. Hart and and Phillip W. Leininger. "Kieft, Willem." The Oxford Companion to American Literature. 1995. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

James D. Hart and and Phillip W. Leininger. "Kieft, Willem." The Oxford Companion to American Literature. 1995. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O123-KieftWillem.html

James D. Hart and and Phillip W. Leininger. "Kieft, Willem." The Oxford Companion to American Literature. 1995. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O123-KieftWillem.html

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