The success of the Dutch colony can be attributed to several factors, including:
- Rich soil - This allowed for successful agriculture and crop production.
- Farm labor - The presence of farm labor facilitated agricultural activities, enhancing productivity.
- The shipbuilding industry - The Dutch were known for their shipbuilding skills, which supported trade and naval power.
- The fur trade - The fur trade was a significant economic driver for the Dutch, especially in North America, where they traded with Native American tribes.
While rivers with plenty of fish and lots of wild game could support local economies and provide sustenance, they were not primary factors driving the broader success of the Dutch colonies as civilian and economic centers. Gold mines were also not a significant factor for the Dutch in their colonies, unlike other colonial powers like Spain. Therefore, the main contributing factors would be the rich soil, farm labor, the shipbuilding industry, and the fur trade.