The Dutch States Navy was the navy of the Dutch Republic from 1588 to 1795. Coming into existence during the Eighty Years' War, the States Navy played a major role in expanding and protecting the Dutch colonial empire, in addition to participating in numerous conflicts with rival European powers. The States Navy consisted of five admiralties, which were respectively based in Amsterdam, Friesland, the Noorderkwartier, Rotterdam and
Zeeland. This organisational structure contributed to the decentralised nature of the States Navy, which heavily relied upon privateers and armed merchantmen in times of war.
Capture of Brielle, 1 April 1572 (Frans Hogenberg).
's Lands Zeemagazijn (English "the arsenal"), former arsenal of the Admiralty of Amsterdam
Michiel de Ruyter by Ferdinand Bol in 1667. He wears his Order of Saint Michael.
Replica of the Sternpiece of the Zeven Provinciën showing the arms of the Union and each of the member States.
The Franco-Dutch War, also known as the Dutch War, was fought between France and the Dutch Republic, supported by its allies the Holy Roman Empire, Spain, Brandenburg-Prussia and Denmark-Norway. In its early stages, France was allied with Münster and Cologne, as well as England. The 1672 to 1674 Third Anglo-Dutch War and 1675 to 1679 Scanian War are considered related conflicts.
Left to right: The Battle of Solebay The murder of the De Witt brothers The Dutch surprise assault on Coevorden [nl; fr] The Siege of Valenciennes
The planned 1672 French offensive; the alliance with Münster and Cologne allowed them to bypass the Spanish Netherlands
Prince William of Orange, appointed Captain-General in February 1672; political conflict between his supporters and de Witt impacted Dutch preparations
Louvois, French Secretary of War, whose reforms were crucial to French success