What were the Anglo-Dutch Wars?
Q: What were the Anglo-Dutch Wars?
A: The Anglo-Dutch Wars were a series of wars fought between the Dutch Republic and the Kingdom of England and later the United Kingdom of Great Britain during the 17th and 18th centuries. They fought for control over trade routes on the seas, mainly through naval warfare.
Q: When did the First War take place?
A: The First War took place during the Interregnum in England, which was a period after the English Civil War when England did not have a king or queen. It lasted from 1652 to 1654.
Q: What happened in both Second and Third Wars?
A: In both Second (1665–1667) and Third (1672–1674) Wars, England tried to end the Dutch monopoly over world trade. Most of their fighting was done in North Sea, with England also having France as an ally in Third War. Both wars ended with strong victories for Dutch Republic, confirming their position as leading maritime power of 17th century.
Q: What caused Fourth War?
A: The Fourth War (1780–1784) was caused by Britain disagreeing with Dutch trading with United States during American Revolutionary War.
Q: How did Fourth War end?
A: The war ended with Treaty of Paris (1784), resulting in a very big defeat for Dutch who lost parts of their empire.
Q: Who gained control over seas at end of First War?
A: At end of First War, Royal Navy of England gained control over seas and had monopoly over trade with English colonies.
