Five Brothers and a War

History—1600 to 1700 AD

Holland spent the next years rebuilding its naval strength and its economy. The Second Anglo-Dutch War broke out a few years later, from 1665-67. The war was intended by the English to definitively end Dutch domination in world trade, but instead ended with a decisive Dutch victory, thereby sowing the seeds for the next conflict. In 1672, King Louis XIV declared war on Holland—a war that would last for six years. Louis was threatened by the naval power of Holland. He gained the support of both England and Sweden in his efforts. Ultimately, the Treaty of Nijmegen was signed, which gave France some territory in southern Holland previously held by the Spanish. In 1688, Willem III invaded England in an action that deposed his uncle, and father-in-law, King James II (who had converted from Protestantism to Catholicism) and thereby won him the crowns of England, Scotland and Ireland. It was a pure coincidence that Willem III van Oranje was William III of England. He was William II in Scotland.

In 1688, a so-called “Grand Alliance” was formed between a number of European nations, including England and Holland (which were acting in concert with the reign of Willem III (aka King William III of Orange, of England and Ireland), in an attempt to stifle the expansionist intent of King Louis XIV. At times, both sides won battles in the ensuing conflicts.

holland

Prins Willem III van Oranje (King William III of England, Scotland and Ireland)

Five Brothers and a War

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