This episode explains how the Dutch “Sea Beggars” emerged from the Dutch revolt against Spain and Portugal, using privateering and trade-backed warfare to challenge Iberian control of the seas and colonies during the Eighty Years’ War. Driven by Calvinist thrift, efficient shipping, and powerful trading companies like the VOC and West India Company, the Dutch expanded aggressively through contraband trade, salt and tobacco disputes, and major naval actions, including Piet Heyn’s 1628 capture of the Spanish treasure fleet. Although these successes weakened Spanish sovereignty in the Caribbean and Brazil, Dutch colonies proved costly to maintain, leading many sailors toward freelance piracy and shaping the diverse, rebellious pirate culture of the mid-17th century.