A Book with Legs: Episode Summary

Episode: Russell Shorto - Taking Manhattan: The Extraordinary Events that Created New York and Shaped America
Release Date: May 19, 2025
Host: Cole Smead, CEO and Portfolio Manager at Smead Capital Management
Guest: Russell Shorto, Author and Historian

I. Introduction

In this episode of A Book with Legs, host Cole Smead engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Russell Shorto about his latest work, Taking Manhattan: The Extraordinary Events that Created New York and Shaped America. The discussion delves into the intricate history of New Amsterdam, its transition to English rule, and the broader implications these events had on shaping American society.

II. Author and Book Overview

Russell Shorto, a distinguished historian and member of the New York State Writers Hall of Fame, introduces the inspiration behind his book. Shorto explains his long-standing interest in New York’s Dutch roots, sparked nearly three decades ago while living in the East Village. This curiosity led him to explore the extensive Dutch archives, culminating in his previous work, The Island at the Center of the World, and now, Taking Manhattan.

Russell Shorto [01:59]: "We all assume, as with so many other historical events, we take it as inevitable that of course it would become English and it would be called New York. But it didn't have to be that way."

III. Cultural and Economic Foundations of New Amsterdam

Shorto elaborates on the Dutch contributions to modern capitalism, highlighting innovations such as shares of stock and the establishment of the first stock exchange in Amsterdam. He underscores the Dutch ethos of individualism, influenced by philosophers like Descartes and Spinoza, which fostered a society where personal identity and self-interest began to take shape independently from communal affiliations.

Russell Shorto [05:30]: "The Dutch invented the building blocks of capitalism in this same era... the concept of shares of stock, and then right on the heels of that came the idea of a stock exchange."

IV. Peter Stuyvesant: Leadership and Challenges

Peter Stuyvesant emerges as a pivotal figure in the narrative. Shorto details Stuyvesant’s tumultuous tenure as the last director general of New Netherland, his initial authoritarian approach, and eventual realization of the importance of empowering local traders over strict company directives. This shift was crucial in maintaining the colony’s economic vitality.

Russell Shorto [09:35]: "He has to save his own hide. On one hand, he has to be respectful to the English because they can be the captors. At the same time, he's still Dutch."

V. Dutch Policies on Toleration and Slavery

The Dutch are portrayed as pioneers of religious toleration, a stark contrast to the intolerant policies of other European powers. However, Shorto points out the limitations of this toleration, particularly regarding African slaves and Native peoples. He discusses the complexities of Dutch interactions with different communities, including legal battles over Jewish rights and the early forms of slavery in New Amsterdam.

Russell Shorto [13:53]: "The Dutch ended up doing something almost the opposite. They said, we're going to have an official policy of toleration of religions."

VI. The English Puritans and Puritan Boston

Contrasting the Dutch, Shorto examines the rigid and theocratic society of Puritan Boston. He explains how the Puritans’ quest for religious purity led to internal conflicts and set the stage for ideological battles that would persist in American history.

Russell Shorto [21:28]: "17th century English Puritanism... it is really a form of religious extremism and that was what they imposed."

VII. Richard Nichols and the Transition to English Rule

Richard Nichols, an almost unknown yet consequential figure, is central to the transition of New Amsterdam to English control. Shorto narrates how Nichols, deeply connected with both Dutch traders and English royalty, navigated diplomatic negotiations to facilitate a peaceful transfer of power, resulting in the renaming of New Amsterdam to New York.

Russell Shorto [28:31]: "Nichols then becomes the first governor of New York. And he's going to set a lot of the dynamics not just of New York's development, but of American development."

VIII. The Anglo-Dutch Conflicts and Diplomacy

The episode covers the intense but ultimately diplomatic two-week period in 1664 when English forces led by Nichols confronted Stuyvesant. Despite escalating tensions and threats of war, both sides sought a peaceful resolution, recognizing the mutual benefits of cooperation over conflict.

Russell Shorto [64:43]: "They keep this up... neither one of them wanted to fight because they thought that if they could reach some sort of accommodation, that would be better."

IX. Social Dynamics: Interracial Marriages and Community Life

Shorto highlights the relatively progressive social dynamics of New Amsterdam, including interracial marriages and early forms of racial integration, which were rare in America at the time. These aspects underscore the colony's unique position as a melting pot, fostering a diverse and pragmatic community.

Russell Shorto [50:49]: "There are several cases in the records of a white European marrying a black enslaved woman and the reverse."

X. Legacy and Modern Implications

The conversation culminates in discussing the long-term impacts of these historical events on modern American society. Shorto draws parallels between the pragmatic, tolerant ethos of New York and the rigid, religiously driven culture of Boston, suggesting that the balance between these ideologies continues to shape the United States today.

Russell Shorto [77:26]: "The hegeographies change, but we have these two competing ideologies at war with each other now down four centuries."

XI. Conclusion

Russell Shorto emphasizes that the successful merging of Dutch and English influences in New York laid the groundwork for a pluralistic and economically vibrant society. This historical balance between tolerance and pragmatic commerce serves as a model for navigating modern ideological divides.

Russell Shorto [77:49]: "Where we're really in trouble is when one tries to completely submerge the other. And I think that's what we're dealing with right now."

Notable Quotes

• Russell Shorto [01:59]: "We all assume... it would be called New York. But it didn't have to be that way."
• Russell Shorto [05:30]: "The Dutch invented the building blocks of capitalism... the idea of shares of stock."
• Russell Shorto [13:53]: "The Dutch ended up doing something almost the opposite. They said, we're going to have an official policy of toleration of religions."

Key Takeaways

• Taking Manhattan explores the pivotal moments that transitioned New Amsterdam to New York, emphasizing the roles of key figures like Peter Stuyvesant and Richard Nichols.
• The Dutch legacy of religious toleration and early capitalist practices significantly influenced the development of a diverse and economically robust New York.
• The contrasting rigid Puritanism of Boston presented an enduring ideological divide that has echoed throughout American history.
• Shorto's narrative underscores the importance of pragmatic diplomacy and cultural integration in shaping lasting societal structures.

Further Engagement

Listeners interested in delving deeper into the rich history of New York and its Dutch origins are encouraged to read Russell Shorto's Taking Manhattan and follow his work through various media channels, including his social media platforms and upcoming public engagements.

For those intrigued by the intricate blend of history, culture, and economic development discussed in this episode, Taking Manhattan offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the forces that shaped one of the world’s most influential cities.