Glossary

8.2 Second Anglo-Dutch War (1665-1667)

9 min read•august 20, 2024

The (1665-1667) was a fierce naval conflict rooted in economic rivalry and colonial ambitions. England sought to challenge Dutch commercial supremacy, while both nations vied for control over lucrative and territories in North America and Africa.

The war featured major naval battles in the North Sea and English Channel, showcasing the maritime strengths of both sides. Key figures like and Dutch admiral played crucial roles, with the conflict ultimately ending in the in 1667.

Causes of war

  • The Second Anglo-Dutch War emerged from a complex web of economic, political, and religious tensions between England and the Dutch Republic in the mid-17th century
  • English merchants and political leaders grew increasingly resentful of Dutch dominance in global trade, particularly in the lucrative East Indies spice trade and the Baltic Sea trade in naval stores
  • The two nations also clashed over colonial rivalries, with competing claims and skirmishes in North America (New Netherland and New England) and West Africa (slave trade posts)

English resentment of Dutch trade

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  • England sought to challenge the Dutch Republic's commercial supremacy and protect its own mercantile interests
  • The of 1651 and 1660 were designed to restrict Dutch trade and bolster English shipping, leading to heightened tensions
  • English merchants complained about Dutch control over key trade routes and their ability to undercut prices, fueling calls for war

Rivalry in North America and Africa

  • In North America, English colonists in New England resented Dutch presence in nearby New Netherland (present-day New York), leading to border disputes and skirmishes
  • The two nations also vied for control over the lucrative West African slave trade, with competing forts and trading posts along the Gold Coast (present-day Ghana)
  • English seizure of Dutch slave trade posts in 1664 further escalated tensions

Religious tensions

  • Religious differences between the predominantly Protestant Dutch Republic and the restored Anglican monarchy in England under Charles II added to the animosity
  • Many English Anglicans viewed the Dutch as overly tolerant of religious dissent, including Catholicism and various Protestant sects
  • The Dutch Republic's sheltering of English republican exiles and regicides after the Restoration of 1660 further strained relations

Major battles

  • The Second Anglo-Dutch War featured several major naval engagements in the North Sea and English Channel, showcasing the rival nations' maritime strengths
  • These battles involved large fleets of warships, often numbering over 100 vessels on each side, and resulted in heavy casualties and significant shifts in strategic advantage
  • The war also saw daring raids and surprise attacks, such as the Dutch , which had a profound psychological impact on the English

Battle of Lowestoft (1665)

  • The first major engagement of the war, fought off the coast of Suffolk, England in June 1665
  • The English fleet, commanded by James, Duke of York (later James II), defeated a Dutch fleet under Jacob van Wassenaer Obdam
  • The Dutch suffered heavy losses, including the death of Admiral Obdam, and were forced to retreat

Four Days' Battle (1666)

  • A sprawling naval engagement fought in the southern North Sea from June 1-4, 1666, one of the longest naval battles in history
  • The English fleet, led by Prince Rupert of the Rhine and , clashed with a Dutch fleet under Michiel de Ruyter
  • Despite heavy losses on both sides, the battle ended in a strategic victory for the Dutch, who managed to protect their vital merchant convoy

St. James's Day Battle (1666)

  • Another major engagement fought in the North Sea on August 4-5, 1666, known as the or the Two Days' Battle
  • The English fleet, again commanded by Prince Rupert and George Monck, attempted to intercept a Dutch merchant convoy but was met by a Dutch fleet under Michiel de Ruyter
  • The Dutch scored a decisive victory, inflicting heavy losses on the English and forcing them to retreat

Raid on the Medway (1667)

  • A daring Dutch attack on the English fleet anchored in the Medway River, near Chatham, England in June 1667
  • A Dutch fleet led by Michiel de Ruyter sailed up the Thames Estuary, broke through defensive chains, and destroyed or captured several English ships
  • The raid was a humiliating blow to English prestige and morale, exposing the vulnerability of their naval defenses

Key figures

  • The Second Anglo-Dutch War involved several prominent military and political leaders who shaped the course and outcome of the conflict
  • These individuals played crucial roles in naval strategy, diplomacy, and domestic politics, leaving their mark on the war and its aftermath

Charles II of England

  • King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1660 to 1685, restored to the throne after the English Civil War and Commonwealth period
  • Charles II sought to assert English naval power and commercial interests, leading to the outbreak of war with the Dutch Republic
  • Despite the mixed results of the war, Charles II continued to pursue a pro-French and anti-Dutch foreign policy in the following years

Michiel de Ruyter

  • The leading Dutch admiral during the Second Anglo-Dutch War, widely regarded as one of the greatest naval commanders in history
  • De Ruyter led the Dutch fleet to several key victories, including the and the St. James's Day Battle
  • His bold Raid on the Medway in 1667 dealt a severe blow to English morale and prestige

George Monck

  • English general and admiral who played a key role in the Restoration of Charles II and served as a naval commander during the Second Anglo-Dutch War
  • Monck, along with Prince Rupert, led the English fleet in major engagements such as the Four Days' Battle and the St. James's Day Battle
  • Despite his experience and leadership, Monck was unable to secure a decisive victory against the Dutch

Dutch naval tactics

  • The Dutch Republic's naval tactics during the Second Anglo-Dutch War emphasized speed, maneuverability, and flexible formations
  • Dutch warships were generally smaller and more agile than their English counterparts, allowing them to outmaneuver the enemy and concentrate firepower
  • The Dutch also relied on a decentralized command structure, with individual captains granted considerable autonomy to make tactical decisions in battle

Line of battle vs English tactics

  • Unlike the English, who favored a rigid line of battle formation, the Dutch employed a more flexible approach
  • Dutch squadrons would often break formation to engage individual English ships or exploit gaps in the enemy line
  • This tactical flexibility allowed the Dutch to adapt to changing battlefield conditions and seize opportunities as they arose

Smaller, more maneuverable ships

  • Dutch warships were typically smaller than English vessels, with a greater emphasis on speed and handling
  • These lighter, more maneuverable ships could quickly change direction, allowing them to evade enemy fire and close in for devastating broadsides
  • The Dutch also made effective use of fireships, sacrificial vessels packed with combustibles and explosives, to sow chaos and confusion among the English fleet

English naval tactics

  • English naval tactics during the Second Anglo-Dutch War centered on the use of large, heavily-armed ships of the line
  • The English fleet emphasized firepower and the ability to deliver devastating broadsides, relying on a strict line of battle formation to maximize the effectiveness of their guns
  • However, this rigid tactical doctrine often left the English vulnerable to the more flexible and adaptive Dutch approach

Large, powerful ships

  • English warships were generally larger and more heavily armed than their Dutch counterparts, with multiple gun decks and a greater number of cannons
  • These powerful vessels were designed to deliver crushing broadsides, inflicting heavy damage on enemy ships at range
  • However, their size and weight also made them less maneuverable than the lighter Dutch ships, limiting their tactical flexibility

Focus on broadside firepower

  • The English tactical doctrine emphasized the importance of delivering concentrated broadside fire, with ships of the line arranged in a strict formation to maximize the effectiveness of their guns
  • This approach relied on maintaining a tight line of battle, with each ship following in the wake of the one ahead and firing in unison
  • While devastating when executed properly, this rigid formation left the English vulnerable to the more flexible Dutch tactics

Treaty of Breda (1667)

  • The Treaty of Breda, signed on July 31, 1667, brought an end to the Second Anglo-Dutch War
  • Negotiations began in the Dutch city of Breda in May 1667, with both sides seeking to secure their territorial and commercial interests
  • The treaty addressed colonial possessions, trade rights, and the status of the English Channel, establishing a temporary peace between the two nations

Terms of the treaty

  • The Dutch retained control of the valuable spice island of Run in the East Indies, which they had seized from the English during the war
  • In exchange, the English gained formal possession of New Netherland (present-day New York), which they had already occupied since 1664
  • The treaty also affirmed the English Channel as a neutral zone, with both nations agreeing to respect the principle of "free ships, free goods"

Impact on colonial possessions

  • The Treaty of Breda resulted in significant changes to the colonial landscape, particularly in North America
  • The Dutch loss of New Netherland to the English marked the end of Dutch colonial presence in mainland North America
  • However, the Dutch retained control of valuable territories in the Caribbean (Suriname) and the East Indies (Run, Java, and the Moluccas)

Temporary peace between nations

  • While the Treaty of Breda brought an end to the Second Anglo-Dutch War, it did not resolve the underlying tensions between the two nations
  • The treaty established a temporary peace, but commercial rivalries, colonial disputes, and political differences continued to strain Anglo-Dutch relations
  • These unresolved issues would later contribute to the outbreak of the Third Anglo-Dutch War in 1672

Aftermath and consequences

  • The Second Anglo-Dutch War had far-reaching consequences for both nations, shaping their global positions and setting the stage for future conflicts
  • Despite the mixed outcome of the war, the Dutch Republic emerged as a dominant force in world trade, while England began to assert its growing naval power
  • The war also highlighted the increasing importance of colonial possessions and maritime supremacy in the emerging global economy

Dutch dominance in world trade

  • The Dutch Republic's victories in the Second Anglo-Dutch War helped to secure its position as a leading commercial power
  • Dutch merchants continued to dominate key trade routes, particularly in the Baltic Sea and the East Indies, and the Dutch East India Company (VOC) remained a major force in global trade
  • The Dutch also maintained their prominence in the European carrying trade, with Amsterdam serving as a major hub for the exchange of goods and capital

Rise of English naval power

  • Although the English failed to achieve a decisive victory in the Second Anglo-Dutch War, the conflict marked an important step in the rise of English naval power
  • The war exposed weaknesses in English naval organization and tactics, prompting reforms and modernization efforts in the following years
  • The English Navy's growing strength and professionalism would later prove decisive in future conflicts, including the Third Anglo-Dutch War and the Wars of Louis XIV

Seeds of future Anglo-Dutch conflicts

  • Despite the temporary peace established by the Treaty of Breda, the Second Anglo-Dutch War left many underlying tensions unresolved
  • Commercial rivalries, colonial disputes, and political differences continued to strain relations between the two nations
  • These lingering tensions, combined with the shifting balance of power in Europe and the ambitions of France under Louis XIV, would contribute to the outbreak of the Third Anglo-Dutch War just five years later in 1672

Key Terms to Review (21)

Anglo-Dutch Rivalry: The Anglo-Dutch Rivalry refers to the prolonged political, economic, and military conflict between England and the Dutch Republic during the 17th century, primarily driven by competition over trade routes, colonial territories, and naval supremacy. This rivalry significantly influenced the global balance of power and is most notably highlighted during events such as the Second Anglo-Dutch War (1665-1667), where both nations fought for dominance at sea and control over lucrative trade.
Battle of Lowestoft: The Battle of Lowestoft was a significant naval engagement fought on June 3, 1665, during the Second Anglo-Dutch War. This battle marked a pivotal moment in the conflict, showcasing the naval strength of England against the Dutch Republic, and highlighted the intense rivalry between these two maritime powers. The outcome of the battle had far-reaching consequences for Dutch global power and influenced future naval strategies and alliances.
Blockade strategy: A blockade strategy is a military tactic that involves using naval forces to prevent ships from entering or leaving a port, effectively restricting trade and resupply. This strategy was crucial in maritime conflicts, allowing one nation to weaken its opponent by cutting off access to vital resources and commerce. It often led to economic strain on the blockaded nation, pushing them towards negotiations or surrender.
British Acquisition of New Amsterdam: The British Acquisition of New Amsterdam refers to the seizure of the Dutch settlement at New Amsterdam by the British in 1664, which subsequently became New York City. This event marked a significant shift in colonial power dynamics, as it not only established British control over a vital trading hub but also reflected the growing tensions between England and the Netherlands, particularly during the Second Anglo-Dutch War.
Charles II of England: Charles II of England was the monarch who ruled from 1660 to 1685, marking the restoration of the monarchy after the English Civil War and the Commonwealth period. His reign is notable for its political and cultural revival, as well as for the conflicts with the Dutch and tensions with Parliament, which included the Second Anglo-Dutch War.
Colonial Expansion: Colonial expansion refers to the process by which a nation extends its control over foreign territories, often involving the establishment of settlements and the exploitation of resources. This practice played a pivotal role in shaping global trade networks and international relations during the age of empires, particularly impacting the balance of power among European nations.
Decline of dutch naval supremacy: The decline of Dutch naval supremacy refers to the weakening of the Dutch Republic's dominance in maritime trade and naval power during the late 17th century, particularly as competition with England intensified. This decline is marked by key conflicts like the Second Anglo-Dutch War, which highlighted the shifting balance of naval power in Europe, affecting trade routes and colonial interests.
Dutch Republic Navy: The Dutch Republic Navy was the naval force of the Dutch Republic during its Golden Age, primarily in the 17th century. This formidable navy played a crucial role in establishing Dutch maritime dominance and protecting trade routes, particularly during conflicts such as the Second Anglo-Dutch War. Its innovative tactics and advanced ship designs allowed the Dutch to compete effectively against other naval powers, notably England.
Dutch Shipping Industry: The Dutch shipping industry refers to the maritime commerce and shipbuilding enterprises that flourished in the Netherlands during the 16th to 18th centuries, driven by the country's exploration, trade, and naval power. This industry played a crucial role in establishing the Dutch as one of the leading maritime nations of their time, contributing to conflicts like the Anglo-Dutch Wars as nations vied for control over trade routes and economic dominance.
Four Days' Battle: The Four Days' Battle was a significant naval engagement fought between the Dutch Republic and England from June 1 to June 4, 1666, during the Second Anglo-Dutch War. This battle was one of the longest naval encounters in history and showcased the strategic importance of maritime dominance for both powers. The fierce fighting illustrated the ongoing rivalry for control over trade routes and colonies, with both navies employing advanced tactics and formations.
George Monck: George Monck was a prominent English general and politician during the 17th century, best known for his role in the Restoration of Charles II in 1660. His military prowess and political maneuvering were crucial during the Second Anglo-Dutch War, as he led English naval forces against the Dutch Republic, impacting the course of this conflict.
Hit-and-run tactics: Hit-and-run tactics refer to a military strategy that involves quick, surprise attacks followed by a rapid withdrawal, minimizing exposure to enemy fire while inflicting damage. This approach emphasizes agility and unpredictability, allowing smaller or less powerful forces to disrupt larger opponents effectively. During conflicts like the Second Anglo-Dutch War, these tactics were employed to gain strategic advantages without engaging in prolonged battles.
Mercantilism: Mercantilism is an economic theory that emphasizes the role of the state in managing the economy, promoting exports, and accumulating precious metals to enhance national power. This approach shaped trade policies and colonial expansion, driving European nations to seek new markets and resources, which directly impacted various global activities and interactions.
Michiel de Ruyter: Michiel de Ruyter was a prominent Dutch admiral in the 17th century, known for his leadership during significant naval battles, particularly during the Second Anglo-Dutch War. His strategic brilliance and successful tactics made him a celebrated figure in Dutch maritime history, influencing naval warfare and contributing to the Netherlands' status as a dominant maritime power. De Ruyter's exploits not only secured vital trade routes but also solidified the Dutch Republic's naval superiority against England.
Navigation acts: Navigation Acts were a series of laws enacted by England during the 17th century to regulate colonial trade and enable England to collect taxes from its colonies. These acts aimed to ensure that trade was conducted exclusively with English ships and to bolster England's economic interests at the expense of rivals, particularly during conflicts such as the Second Anglo-Dutch War. The impact of these laws significantly influenced Dutch global power and created economic challenges through competition in trade.
Raid on the Medway: The Raid on the Medway was a significant naval engagement during the Second Anglo-Dutch War in June 1667, where Dutch forces successfully attacked and severely damaged the English fleet at the Medway River. This bold strike not only showcased Dutch naval power but also marked a turning point in the conflict, leading to a shift in maritime dominance and impacting the political landscape of Europe at that time.
Royal Navy: The Royal Navy is the naval warfare force of the United Kingdom, known for its historical significance and role in establishing British maritime supremacy. Throughout the 17th century, it became a key player in naval conflicts, including its involvement in the Second Anglo-Dutch War, where it sought to expand British trade and territorial claims against the Dutch Republic.
Second Anglo-Dutch War: The Second Anglo-Dutch War was a military conflict fought between England and the Dutch Republic from 1665 to 1667, primarily over trade disputes and naval dominance. This war was a continuation of tensions from the First Anglo-Dutch War and highlighted the fierce competition between the two maritime powers for control of global trade routes and colonies.
St. James's Day Battle: The St. James's Day Battle, fought on July 25, 1666, was a significant naval engagement during the Second Anglo-Dutch War, where English and Dutch fleets clashed off the coast of North Foreland in England. This battle showcased the fierce maritime rivalry between the two powers and had lasting impacts on naval warfare and national pride. It exemplified the tactics used by both sides and reflected the broader conflicts of imperial expansion and economic competition.
Trade routes: Trade routes are established pathways that facilitate the exchange of goods, services, and culture between different regions. These routes played a crucial role in the economic and political dynamics of empires, allowing for the flow of valuable commodities such as spices, textiles, and precious metals. The significance of trade routes is evident in the context of monopolistic trade practices, military conflicts for control over these paths, and the competition between European powers seeking dominance in global trade.
Treaty of Breda: The Treaty of Breda was an agreement signed in 1667 that concluded the Second Anglo-Dutch War, establishing peace between the Dutch Republic and England. It had significant ramifications for colonial possessions, trade routes, and the balance of power in the global market, impacting relations between European nations and their colonies.
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