Write a paragraph comparing and contrasting Portuguese and Dutch activities in the spice trade in Southeast Asia. Be sure to link to specific facts and dates.

Melaka was captured by the Portuguese in 1511. It was the access point to the Moluccas, also known as the Spice Islands. They had limited resources to establish power over the entire network. Instead, they established small towns along the coast to serve as trading stops. In the 1600s, Dutch and English traders arrived on the island of Moluccas. The Dutch began taking Portuguese forts until they had complete control over the spice trade.