Battles & Campaigns · 1674
Treaty of Westminster (1674)
Westminster, London, England
What happened
In England the war against the Dutch was unpopular, Parliament refused to pay for more of it, and Charles ran out of money. The treaty made New Netherland, now New York, English for good, and the Dutch agreed to pay two million guilders.
Why it matters
It ended the Third Anglo-Dutch War. Territories went back to their owners from before the war, and the Dutch kept Suriname.
What came next
William of Orange later made Charles count the payment against debts owed to William's family, so Charles received very little.
Did you know?
Because news travelled slowly, a sea battle, Ronas Voe, was fought on 14 March 1674, after the treaty was signed.
Timeline
- 9 Feb 1674Treaty signed (Old Style date; 19 February New Style).
- 17 Feb 1674Peace proclaimed in London (Old Style).
- 5 Mar 1674Ratified by the Dutch States General.
- 14 Mar 1674Battle of Ronas Voe, fought before news of peace arrived.