* Dutch Colonization: The Dutch established a trading post and settlement called New Netherland in 1624, which included what is now New York City.
* Growing English Power: The English, meanwhile, were expanding their colonies along the eastern coast of North America. They viewed the Dutch presence as an obstacle to their ambitions.
* The Anglo-Dutch Wars: The English and Dutch engaged in several wars during the 17th century, including the Second Anglo-Dutch War (1665-1667).
* English Conquest: In 1664, during the Second Anglo-Dutch War, an English fleet under the command of Richard Nicolls arrived off the coast of New Netherland. The Dutch governor, Peter Stuyvesant, was outnumbered and outgunned. Facing imminent defeat, he surrendered the colony to the English without a fight.
* Renamed New York: The English renamed the colony New York in honor of the Duke of York, who was the brother of King Charles II.
So, while the Dutch established New Netherland and had a strong presence there for several decades, it was ultimately taken by force by the English.