Pitt and the retreat from isolation

• The situation in 1783

  Britain was friendless

  • French had assisted American colonists in their struggle for independence
  • Other nations had formed a League of Armed Neutrality in 1780 against British interference with neutral shipping during the war
  • Russians allied with Denmark, Sweden, Prussia, Austria, the Netherlands, Naples and Turkey by 1782
• Problems and solutions 1780-1789

  The United Provinces

  • The Netherlands (United Provinces) was an alliance of 7 provinces, the largest being Holland
  • Ruler was Stadtholder William V
  • William V had troubles with a political group (Patriots) who were pro-french and anti-english, opposed to his leadership
  • Fears in Britain that the Patriots would overthrow William V and the provinces would be dominated by the French
  • Was a concern because it would affect a vital trade route with Europe (River Scheldt) and conflict with British security on her coastline
• The United Provinces

  Pitts Strategy

  • Initially peaceful - trade deals with United Provinces in 1785 and France in 1786
  • When Prussia sided with William V against the Patriots there was danger that France would back the patriots and civil war would break out in the Netherlands
  • Pitt gave money and naval support to the Dutch monarchy to help support an official reigime
  • Pitt signed a defensive alliance with Prussia and the United Provinces known as the Triple Alliance 1788
• The Triple Alliance

  Significance

  • Britain no longer isolated and allied with strong military power, Prussia
  • French expansion into the Netherlands was halted
  • British Trading and security were no longer threatened