Economic conditions, taxes, and trade restrictions created many opportunities for “creative business opportunities” by land or by sea. Whether actively involved in the process or as passive consumers, smuggling touched the lives of many of our Ostfriesen ancestors. The Continental Blockade under the French in the early 1800’s targeted trading with England, cutting off the supply of tea, trade in textiles and other commodities. Taxes in the Netherlands also encouraged many cross-border trade “opportunities” for generations. This session will discuss some of the smuggling activities and creative methods that were used to facilitate this international trade.
Presented by Roger Peters, OGSA Board Member
