The Netherlands has a very rich history. The Dutch became one of the greatest trade countries in the 17th Century along with England and Spain. Their trading power was extended to Africa, India, the Spice Islands, China, and parts of South America. Their quest for control of the vast deposits of diamonds and gold lead to the Boer Wars (1880-1902). The conflict for the African riches was fought between the British Empire and Afrikaners (descendants of original Dutch settlers) for diamonds and gold that became divided between the Dutch resources between the conflict and their trading enterprises located in the southern region of their empire. The strife extended to the Dutch trade industry.