The Dutch Gunpowder Trade: Saltpeter, Powder Mills, and Empire

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the explosive Dutch gunpowder trade that powered the Golden Age. From the saltpeter fields of the Mughal Empire and Baltic forests to the powder mills of the Zaanstreek, they trace how the Dutch Republic became Europe's leading arms supplier. They discuss the strategic role of Amsterdam's Wisselbank in financing gunpowder, the VOC's massive powder orders for its fleets, and the dangers of an industry where a single spark could level a neighborhood. Along the way, they meet figures like Pieter van der Horst and the powder millers who risked their lives. They also cover the 1653 Haarlem powder mill explosion that killed dozens and shaped safety regulations. This episode builds on the show's exploration of Dutch trade networks and innovation, offering a granular look at a commerce that was both essential and terrifying. #DutchGunpowderTrade #Saltpeter #Zaanstreek #VOC #Wisselbank #PieterVanDerHorst #HaarlemExplosion #Amsterdam #MughalEmpire #BalticTrade #GunpowderMills #GoldenAge #NetherlandsHistory #MilitaryHistory #Trade #Innovation #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo