The Treaty of Nonsuch was signed on the 10th of August, 1583, by Queen Elizabeth I and the Dutch rebels fighting Spanish rule.
Historical Context
The treaty emerged amidst the backdrop of the Dutch Revolt, an uprising of the Seventeen Provinces against the Spanish Habsburg rule, which began in 1568. The rebellion was not merely a political struggle but also a conflict steeped in religious tensions, as Protestant provinces sought independence from Catholic Spain. England, under Queen Elizabeth I, had been cautiously supportive of the Dutch cause through covert financial aid and tacit encouragement. However, the growing threat posed by Spain, particularly after the fall of Antwerp to Spanish forces in 1585, compelled England to adopt a more assertive stance.
Key Provisions of the Treaty
The Treaty of Nonsuch formalised Englands support for the Dutch rebels, committing military and financial assistance to their cause. Under the treaty, England agreed to provide 6,400 foot soldiers and 1,000 cavalry, alongside an annual subsidy of 600,000 florins. In return, the Dutch granted England control over the strategic towns of Brill and Flushing (referred to as the Cautionary Towns) as security for the funds and military support provided. These towns were critical logistical and defensive outposts, ensuring England had a foothold on the continent.
Another significant provision was the appointment of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, as the governor-general of the Dutch forces. This arrangement was contentious, as it implied a degree of political influence over the Dutch, which led to friction between Leicester and the States-General of the United Provinces.
Impact on Anglo-Spanish Relations
The treaty irrevocably deteriorated England’s fragile relations with Spain. King Philip II of Spain viewed the agreement as a direct affront, interpreting it as an act of war. This perception was not unfounded, as the treaty effectively positioned England against Spain in the ongoing conflict in the Low Countries. Consequently, hostilities escalated, culminating in the Spanish Armada’s attempted invasion of England in 1588.
Military and Political Consequences
While the treaty solidified England’s role in European affairs, its immediate military outcomes were mixed. The Earl of Leicester’s tenure as governor-general was marred by strategic blunders, internal Dutch political complexities, and logistical challenges. His leadership failed to galvanise the Dutch resistance effectively, leading to strained Anglo-Dutch relations. However, the broader implication of the treaty was its demonstration of England’s willingness to confront Spanish hegemony, both militarily and diplomatically.
Moreover, the Treaty of Nonsuch signalled a shift in Elizabethan foreign policy. It marked a departure from cautious diplomacy to active military engagement on the continent. This interventionist approach would characterise England’s foreign relations in the subsequent decades, influencing its maritime expansion and colonial ventures.
Long-Term Significance
In the grand tapestry of European history, the Treaty of Nonsuch holds considerable significance. It underscored the entwined nature of religious, political, and military conflicts during the period. The treaty not only fortified the Dutch resistance, contributing to the eventual recognition of Dutch independence but also set a precedent for England’s future alliances and military commitments in Europe.
Additionally, the treaty’s aftermath, particularly the defeat of the Spanish Armada, bolstered England’s national identity and maritime aspirations. It laid the groundwork for England’s emergence as a dominant naval power, fostering an era of exploration and empire-building.