Leiden University, alongside the city of Leiden, has released groundbreaking research that sheds light on their historical involvement in colonialism and slavery. Presented on April 3, the findings trace the connections of both the university and the city to colonial networks spanning from 1600 to 1945.
The study reveals that Leiden University played a significant role in supporting colonial ventures. University leaders, scholars, and students were deeply involved in research that benefited colonial enterprises. This included studies in fields such as law, indigenous populations, and medical experiments. Many students trained at Leiden went on to work in the colonies, particularly within powerful institutions like the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and the West India Company (WIC).
While the university did not directly own enslaved people or hold shares in plantations, the research highlights how it still benefitted from the wealth generated by colonialism and slavery. University leaders maintained close ties with key figures in colonial enterprises, which helped secure the university’s financial stability and prominence.
The research also uncovered that despite not being a major port city, Leiden had extensive ties to colonialism. Historians Ramackers and Sow noted that many of Leiden’s political and economic leaders were directly involved in the VOC and WIC. These individuals acted as intermediaries, connecting local investors to colonial trade and slavery. Some were even personally invested in the slave trade.
In addition, ordinary Leiden residents also played a role in colonial networks. Some worked in the production of military uniforms for the colonial army, while others were trained to serve on ships traveling to the colonies. Soldiers from Leiden were also dispatched to support Dutch colonial rule overseas.
Leiden University’s leadership has expressed its commitment to confronting the findings of the research. Annetje Ottow, chair of the university’s board, remarked that the research offers a more comprehensive understanding of the institution’s historical connections to colonialism and slavery. She emphasized that the university would carefully evaluate the findings and take appropriate steps moving forward.
This research adds to a broader national conversation in the Netherlands about the enduring legacy of colonialism. In 2022, the Dutch government issued a formal apology for the country’s role in slavery, also allocating 200 million euros for initiatives to address its impact, including support for descendants of enslaved people.
The study, carried out by historians Ligia Giay, Sjoerd Ramackers, and Emma Sow, was commissioned by the university’s Board of Governors in collaboration with the Leiden city government.
JSN
Source: editorial
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