Editing Third Anglo-Dutch War (section)

=== Overview ===
When the French invaded the Dutch Republic in May 1672, it initially seemed as if they had won an overwhelming victory. By the end of June, only [[the Dutch Water Line]] stood between them and the core province of [[Holland]]; by opening the sluices, the Dutch managed to stop the French advance.{{sfn|Van Nimwegen|2010|pp=442–443}} Dutch survival depended on control of the sea lanes, which ensured they could bring in vital supplies and keep trade routes open. Although outnumbered, on 7 June De Ruyter attacked the combined Anglo-French fleet at the [[Battle of Solebay]]; both sides lost one ship each, but it ended significant naval operations for the year.{{sfn|Rodger|2004|p=82}}

His unexpected success proved a mixed blessing for Louis, since it distracted from the main objectives of capturing the Spanish Netherlands. The possibility of France controlling the Republic, the largest commercial power in Europe, brought the Dutch support from [[Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor|Emperor Leopold]] and [[Habsburg Spain|Spain]] among others. It also increased opposition in England, where many had opposed an alliance with Catholic France from the start. Peace negotiations made little progress; an over-confident Louis made demands unacceptable even to his English allies, while the Dutch used the opportunity to acquire allies and rebuild their army. By the end of 1672, they had regained much of the territory lost in May; Charles had run out of money and Parliament was unwilling to provide further financing.{{sfn|Boxer|1969|p=72}}