Reluctant Ally: The Dutch Republic and the American Revolution

Understanding the important role played by the Dutch Republic[1] in the American Revolution is challenging. Few scholarly books and articles provide substantive details, and the role of the Dutch Republic is rarely adequately addressed in general histories of the period.[2] Nonetheless, the Dutch did play an important role—albeit a reluctant one—in aiding the united American colonies in their successful pursuit of independence in a period of “great power competition” during the American revolution.

Background

Prior to 1581, the Netherlands as well as other parts of northern Europe were governed by the Spanish Empire. In 1581, the seven provinces making up the Netherlands united and revolted and after an “eighty-year war” won their independence from Spain, creating the confederation of the Dutch Republic (1581–1795). To aid in the rebellion, Britain sent 7,600 soldiers to the Netherlands to fight against Spain, which began a long-running Anglo-Dutch friendly relationship. The Dutch rose to become a major seafaring and economic power in Europe, usually allying with Britain against their rival France.

For some Americans, the Dutch revolt against the Spanish served as an example of a successful effort by a group of loosely-connected provinces to overthrow an imperial power.[3] For example, Benjamin Harrison wrote to George Washington in June 1780 about the dismal state of affairs: “Indeed my friend it requires fortitude in a statesman to bear up against such multiple evils . . . Keep in remembrance the brave the preserving Prince of Orange, his difficulties were not less than yours, his vexations as numerous and yet success cround [crowned] his labors.”[4]

The Dutch Republic confederation consisted of seven provinces: Holland, Zealand, Utrecht, Guelderland, Overyssel, Groningen, and Friesland. Each differed in size, religion (Protestant and Catholic), location (maritime or inland), and political structure (democratic or aristocratic). The president or stadtholder, William V of Orange, served as the head of the government holding command over military forces but could not declare war or conclude peace. Decision making within the Dutch Republic was so complex that one scholar commented, “nobody could find a solution to even the simplest of problems.”[5]