The Anglo-Dutch Wars

The Anglo-Dutch Wars were a series of conflicts between England (later Britain) and the Dutch Republic from the 1650s to the 1670s. They mainly centered on naval power, trade dominance, and colonial rivalry in the North Atlantic and around Asia. Both nations sought control of maritime trade routes and colonies, leading to battles at sea and in overseas territories. These wars significantly influenced global commerce, contributing to the decline of Dutch maritime supremacy and the rise of Britain as a dominant colonial power. They reflect the intense competition among emerging European powers for global influence during this period.