THE BEGINNING OF THE ROYAL DUTCH/SHELL AND STANDARD OIL COMPANY RIVALRY IN THE DUTCH INDIES 1865-1910

Abstract

This paper describes the beginning of the oil rivalry in the Dutch Indies. It begins with an overview of the political and economic relationship between the United States, The Netherlands and the Dutch Indies since the mid-19th century, namely the period when the oil industries in the United States and the Dutch Indies were still at an early stage of development. Since the independence of the United States of America, the two countries had very good relations which were evident from their various co-operations, including the Treaty of Alliance which was ratified in 1782. However, the Dutch colonial government’s policies which sought to restrict the American oil companies’ investment in the Dutch Indies caused discontent amongst the American government and American oil companies, straining their relationship with the Dutch Indies.