Purpose of the historical narrative


CHAPTER II.

STATE OF EUROPE IN 1660. SECOND ANGLO-DUTCH WAR, 1665-1667. SEA BATTLES OF
LOWESTOFT AND OF THE FOUR DAYS

Accession of Charles II. and Louis XIV
Followed shortly by general wars
French policy formulated by Henry IV. and Richelieu
Condition of France in 1660
Condition of Spain
Condition of the Dutch United Provinces
Their commerce and colonies
Character of their government
Parties in the State
Condition of England in 1660
Characteristics of French, English, and Dutch ships
Conditions of other European States
Louis XIV. The leading personality in Europe
His policy
Colbert's administrative acts
Second Anglo-Dutch War, 1665
Battle of Lowestoft, 1665
Fire-ships, compared with torpedo-cruisers
The group formation
The order of battle for sailing-ships
The Four Days' Battle, 1666
Military merits of the opposing fleets