80 Years of War

S01E07

Peace

As long as Holland is willing to pay for the war, Frederik Hendrik can continue his struggle. The war is even expanded with an international branch that cleverly combines trade interests and military struggle: the West India Company. The conquests in Brazil in particular appeal to the imagination of Dutch citizens who closely follow developments there. But cracks will appear in the foundation if the WIC proves less successful than hoped. And Frederik Hendrik's great wish to conquer Antwerp cannot count on support either. Amsterdam merchants see a competitor in Antwerp and prefer to keep that city out. An alliance with France cannot fulfill Frederik Hendrik's dream of conquering Antwerp either. The time has finally come for peace. A delegation to Münster is to conduct the negotiations. Frederik Hendrik was not there, he breathed his last in March 1647. It is the citizens, the merchants from Holland, who emerge as the winners at the peace in 1648.