Why did the Dutch become very successful merchants in the spice trade between Asia and Europe during the 1600s

The Dutch became successful merchants during the 1600s for many many reasons. They had more ships than any other nation, their nation was run more by merchants than the aristocracy and the Dutch East Indies company was created which not only regulated Dutch spice traders as one united opposition against the Portuguese, Spanish and English but also had the power to declare war and make treaties.