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Full Description
During the seventeenth century, Holland created the world's most dynamic colonial empire, outcompeting the British and capturing Spanish and Portuguese colonies. Yet, in the Sino-Dutch War - Europe's first war with China - the Dutch met their match in a colorful Chinese warlord named Koxinga. Part samurai, part pirate, he led his generals to victory over the Dutch and captured one of their largest and richest colonies - Taiwan. How did he do it? Examining the strengths and weaknesses of European and Chinese military techniques during the period, Lost Colony provides a balanced new perspective on long-held assumptions about Western power, Chinese might, and the nature of war. It has traditionally been asserted that Europeans of the era possessed more advanced science, technology, and political structures than their Eastern counterparts, but historians have recently contested this view, arguing that many parts of Asia developed on pace with Europe until 1800. While Lost Colony shows that the Dutch did indeed possess a technological edge thanks to the Renaissance fort and the broadside sailing ship, that edge was neutralized by the formidable Chinese military leadership.
Thanks to a rich heritage of ancient war wisdom, Koxinga and his generals outfoxed the Dutch at every turn. Exploring a period when the military balance between Europe and China was closer than at any other point in modern history, Lost Colony reassesses an important chapter in world history and offers valuable and surprising lessons for contemporary times.
Contents
Illustrations ix Dramatis Personae xi Preamble An Execution 3 ONE Destinies Entwined 21 Pirate War 34 War Is the Art of Deception 45 The Wrath of Heaven 54 The Samurai 60 The General 68 The Sea King 82 Heaven Has Not Tired of Chaos on Earth 99 TWO An Extreme and Terrifying Storm 111 A Foggy Morning 117 Koxinga's Victories 124 Parleys and Capitulations 137 The Castle 152 An Assault 165 A Summer of Misery 181 Relief from the Sea 194 THREE The Fleet 207 A Foolish Attack 218 The Defectors 227 Koxinga Closes In 239 The Accidental Embassy 250 Acrimony 269 The Last Battle 278 Surrender 290 A Mad Death 298 CLOSING Epilogues and Conclusions 307 Acknowledgments 331 Notes 335 References 399 Index 423
