George Edmundson
Anglo-Dutch Rivalry During the First Half of the Seventeenth Century
being the Ford lectures delivered at Oxford in 1910
"Anglo-Dutch Rivalry During the First Half of the Seventeenth Century" by George Edmundson is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work examines the complex relationships and conflicts between England and the Dutch Republic during a pivotal period marked by maritime and commercial competition. Specifically, the book aims to analyze the causes and developments of the ongoing rivalry that eventually led to open hostilities between the two seafaring nations. The opening of the text sets the tone for an in-depth investigation into the political and economic dynamics that ignited tensions between England and the Netherlands. Edmundson introduces the backdrop of maritime prowess and trade interests that characterized both nations during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, emphasizing the shared history against a common enemy, Spain, while foreshadowing the inevitable conflicts that arose from their competitive spirits. He highlights key events, such as the Dutch wars and the interactions between influential leaders, which laid the groundwork for the escalating rivalry over fishing rights and trade supremacy. This initial exploration establishes the foundational context for the detailed analysis that follows in subsequent chapters.