DUTCH WAR
1672 - 1678

The Dutch War is also called the Franco-Dutch War.

Louis XIV wanted the Spanish Netherlands to be his and, with the support of the British, invaded the Dutch Republic in May 1672.

THE DUTCH WAR AND THE BRITISH
The English were a natural ally, having fought already two wars against the Dutch, which were the First Anglo-Dutch War from 1652 - 1654 and the Second Anglo-Dutch War 1665 - 1667.

For the British, this war became the Third Anglo-Dutch War.

However, the year 1674 brought about a change of mind. The British switched alliances and fought now for the Dutch. Gotta stay flexible.

WHO ELSE FOUGHT IN THE DUTCH WAR?
Sweden fought on the French side and the Holy Roman Empire, Spain, and Denmark fought for the Dutch.

The Treaty of Nijmegen, 1678, ended the Dutch War and Louis left the Spanish Netherlands.

Here is the map for this war:

1652 Anglo-Dutch Wars

And here is the map of Central Europe after the Dutch War:

Central Europe 1678
Click map to enlarge