Treaty of Breda
Breda, North Brabant, Netherlands
What happened
England, the Dutch Republic, France and Denmark-Norway, with Sweden acting as go-between. The treaty ended the Second Anglo-Dutch War, a war over trade and colonies. Each side kept what it held: England kept New Netherland, the Dutch colony that became New York, and the Dutch kept Suriname and the spice island of Run. Prisoners were exchanged without ransom.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It settled two big quarrels and eased tensions between England and the Dutch. An Anglo-Dutch alliance followed that lasted, with one interruption, about a century.
What came next
In 1668 England, the Dutch Republic and Sweden formed the Triple Alliance. The two countries went to war once more in 1672-1674.
Did you know?
Breda had already been the place where Charles II announced his terms for becoming King of England in 1660.
Timeline
- 1660Charles II issues the Declaration of Breda.
- 31 July 1667The Treaty of Breda is signed.
- 1668The Triple Alliance is formed.
- 1672-1674The Third Anglo-Dutch War.