Dutch–Moroccan War (1775–1777) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dutch–Moroccan War (1775–1777)
Kinsbergen negotiating the treaty with Mohammed III to end the war.
Date 1 January 1775 – 29 June 1777 Location North Atlantic Ocean:Strait of Gibraltar, Cape St. Vincent, Coast of Morocco: entrance of Marmora, Larache, Tétouan, and rest of the coast. Result Dutch victory
Belligerents
Sultanate of Morocco	Dutch Republic
Commanders and leaders
Mohammed III Ali Peres  † Taibi Velalou  †	Kinsbergen Quirijn Dabenis Andries Hartsinck Salomon Dedel Daniel Pichot Lodewijk van Bylandt Jan Bentinck [nl]
Strength
2 Frigates, 3-4 Xebecs, and 2 rowboats set out to capture specifically Dutch ships 4 Galiots 1 other frigate Other Moroccan Pirates	First half of 1775: 8 Warships Second half of 1775, and after:Patrolling, and escorting ships: 8 frigates 1 ship of the line Blocking the coast, and ports of Morocco: 8–12 Warships
Casualties and losses
The king's best 2 Frigates destroyed 50 cannons lost best 3 Xebecs destroyed 1 Galiot Severely damaged 1 other Frigate captured 2 rowboats destroyed	2 Merchant ships, and 2 Fluyts attacked but not taken (goods of 2 retaken)

The Dutch–Moroccan War (1775–1777) was a conflict between the Dutch Republic and the Sultanate of Morocco. It started when Moroccan King Mohammed III declared war on the Dutch. This happened because the Dutch had not sent him gifts. Also, a Dutch ship accidentally attacked a Moroccan ship.

However, the Dutch quickly gained an advantage. They blocked Moroccan ports and patrolled the seas. They also destroyed the king's best ships. These actions put Morocco at a great disadvantage. The war ended with a treaty that favored the Dutch. All Dutch people held captive in Morocco were freed. The Dutch also no longer had to send gifts to the Moroccan king.

Why the War Started: A Gift Gone Wrong

The war began because of a misunderstanding about gifts. In September 1774, a Dutch ship arrived in Morocco. It carried gifts for the Moroccan king. These gifts were meant to show friendship between the two nations.

However, the Dutch captain left quickly after dropping off the gifts. He wanted to avoid more costs. The king was told about the gifts and sent an escort. A Dutch envoy named Rossignol brought the gifts to the king.

The King's Displeasure

When the gifts were presented, the king was not happy. He thought the gifts were not good enough. He told Rossignol to take them back. Rossignol warned that this could lead to war. He said it would insult the Dutch government.

The king then sent a letter to the Dutch government. This letter declared war on the Dutch Republic. The main reason given was that Dutch ships had mistakenly attacked a Moroccan vessel. The Dutch government accepted the declaration of war on January 1, 1775. They decided to fight back strongly.

The War at Sea: Dutch Blockades and Victories

The Dutch government acted fast. Captain Dabenis was in the Strait of Gibraltar with eight warships. He was ordered to block Moroccan ports. This stopped Moroccan pirates from attacking Dutch ships. The blockade was very successful. No Dutch ships were captured by Moroccan pirates.

Changing Commanders and Continued Blockade

After about six months, Captain Dabenis escorted many Dutch merchant ships. His fleet was then made smaller. Other Dutch captains took over command. These included Flag Officer Hartsinck and Daniel Pichot. Lodewijk van Bylandt and Kinsbergen also helped. They kept blocking Moroccan ports with eight to twelve warships.

Even during the war, Dutch traders could still operate in Morocco. They even got special passports from the Moroccan king. This trade helped Morocco's economy. The Dutch government allowed this because an old law permitted trade with enemies if it made a profit.

Moroccan Attacks and Dutch Response

The Moroccan king did not want to give up. He wanted the Dutch to give him gifts and tribute. The Dutch refused, seeing it as an insult. The king then sent out his own ships to capture Dutch vessels.

In June 1776, two Moroccan frigates, four xebecs, and two rowboats set sail. They managed to capture two Dutch merchant ships. The goods were taken, and 35 Dutch sailors were held. The king spoke to them personally. He told them they were not slaves. He asked them to deliver a message to the Dutch government. He wanted gifts in 1776.

Later that year, these Moroccan frigates attacked two more Dutch ships. However, they then met two Dutch frigates. These were led by Bentinck and Dedel. The Dutch won the battle. They chased the Moroccan ships until they ran aground. The Moroccan leaders, Taibi and Ali, fled. Their ships were destroyed. This was a huge loss for the Moroccan king. He lost his best ships and many cannons. His navy was almost useless.

Peace and Aftermath: A New Beginning

The heavy losses and the blockade forced the Moroccan king to seek peace. He sent a letter to the Dutch government. Van Kinsbergen was sent to Morocco as an "ambassador." He was welcomed and negotiated a peace agreement.

Terms of the Treaty

As part of the agreement, 58 to 75 Dutch people held captive were freed. They did not need any ransom payment. The Dutch also no longer had to give gifts to Morocco.

A small incident happened after the treaty was signed. Two Dutch frigates attacked Moroccan ships. The Dutch did not know about the peace treaty yet. The Dutch government later apologized for this. The Moroccan king then officially agreed to the peace treaty. He wanted friendship and peace between the two nations.

Lasting Peace and Trade

In the Dutch Republic, everyone was happy about the peace. Traders especially benefited. This war is seen as a very important conflict between the Dutch and Moroccans. Yet, it is often forgotten. After the war, relations stayed strong. Dutch traders continued to do business along the Moroccan coast. They had freedom to trade with all ships and use Moroccan ports. The Dutch never sent gifts to Morocco again. The Dutch captives were sent home free. The Moroccan emperor also made peace agreements with other countries. These included Denmark-Norway, Sweden, and the United States.

Sources