This key facts covers Key Evidence: The Second Dutch War (1665-67) within The Dutch Wars for GCSE History. Revise The Dutch Wars in Restoration England 1660-1685 for GCSE History with 10 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 3 of 15 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
📌 Key Evidence: The Second Dutch War (1665-67)
| Event | Date | What Happened |
|---|---|---|
| Battle of Lowestoft | June 1665 | English victory. James commanded. 17 Dutch ships sunk. Seemed to confirm expectations. |
| Four Days' Battle | June 1666 | Dutch victory. English fleet split (bad intelligence). 20 English ships lost. |
| Raid on the Medway | June 1667 | Dutch sailed into Chatham. Burned ships. Captured Royal Charles. National humiliation. |
| Treaty of Breda | July 1667 | Peace treaty. England kept New Amsterdam (New York) but lost trading advantages. |
Practice questions for The Dutch Wars
Which of the following best describes why the Navigation Acts caused tension between England and the Dutch Republic?
What happened during the Dutch Raid on the Medway in June 1667?
Quick recall flashcards
Who was Michiel de Ruyter?
Dutch admiral who commanded the Medway raid of June 1667 — breaking through the defensive chain at Chatham and towing away the Royal Charles. The man who inflicted England's worst naval humiliation.
Why did England fight the Dutch?
Trade rivalry (Navigation Acts challenged Dutch control of carrying trade), competition for slave trade on African coast, royal ambition for naval glory, overconfidence after English victory in First Dutch War (1652-54).