Treaty of Nonsuch facts for kids

The Treaty of Nonsuch was an important agreement signed on August 10, 1585. It was made between Queen Elizabeth I and the Dutch rebels. These rebels were fighting for their freedom from Spanish rule. This treaty was the first international agreement for what would later become the Dutch Republic. It was signed at Nonsuch Palace in England.

Why Was the Treaty Signed?

The Treaty of Nonsuch happened because of another agreement. This was the Treaty of Joinville, signed in 1584. In that treaty, King Philip II of Spain promised to give money to the Catholic League in France. This made Queen Elizabeth I worried. She saw it as a threat to England.

What Did the Treaty Say?

Queen Elizabeth I agreed to help the Dutch rebels. She promised to send 6,400 foot soldiers and 1,000 cavalry (soldiers on horseback). These troops were led by Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester. They were meant to help lift the siege of Antwerp.

England also agreed to give the Dutch rebels money. This was an annual payment of 600,000 florins. This amount was about a quarter of what the Dutch revolt cost each year.

As a guarantee for this help, the Dutch gave England control of two important towns: Brill and Flushing. England would keep soldiers in these towns at its own cost. These places became known as the Cautionary Towns.

The treaty also gave Queen Elizabeth the right to choose two advisors. These advisors would join the Council of State of the United Provinces. This council helped govern the Dutch areas.

Some people in Zeeland (a Dutch region) were not happy about giving up the towns. They felt they would lose the most. Queen Elizabeth was offered the title of "General of the Provinces," but she did not accept it.

What Happened After the Treaty?

King Philip II saw the Treaty of Nonsuch as a challenge. He believed it was a declaration of war from Queen Elizabeth I. Because of this, the Anglo-Spanish War is usually considered to have started at this time.

Three years later, King Philip II launched the Spanish Armada. This was a huge fleet of ships that tried to invade England. The money Philip spent on the Armada (about 10 million ducats) meant he had less money to fight the Dutch revolt. Even so, he spent around 110 million ducats on the war against the Dutch.

The Treaty of Nonsuch was later updated and renewed. This happened with the Treaty of Westminster in August 1598. It was agreed between the Dutch government and Elizabeth's advisors.

See also

In Spanish: Tratado de Nonsuch para niños

• List of treaties