The Last Invasion of England: 1688 and the Dutch Armada

The Glorious Revolution was not simply a peaceful transfer of power from James II to William and Mary. Historian Arthur der Weduwen highlights the crucial role of the Dutch Armada and William’s 1688 invasion of England. Supported by 16,000 Dutch troops, William’s campaign directly enabled James’s overthrow. Der Weduwen argues that Britain’s political revolution depended on Dutch military strength and explores why the commerce-focused Dutch Republic risked a major preemptive strike against England.