As a pivotal moment in Anglo-French relations, it is essential to teach students about the Treaty of Dover. Signed on May 24, 1670, the treaty dealt with religious and military cooperation between England and France. This important agreement influenced political and religious developments in Europe during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
The Treaty of Dover arose from negotiations between England’s King Charles II and his cousin Louis XIV, the King of France. At the time, England and France were allies in a war against the Dutch. However, Charles II had desires to convert to Catholicism and hoped to gain French support for a move that otherwise threatened the English protestant establishment. Additionally, Louis XIV wanted to break Britain’s alliance with the Dutch, the primary rival of France in Europe.
Their agreement was reached in secret, largely because of the religious implications of Charles II’s conversion to Catholicism. The treaty established that England would provide France with troops and subsidies for its wars and France would provide England with similar assistance for its efforts. Charles also promised to convert to Catholicism in exchange for French support, although this part of the treaty remained private. Charles II’s Catholicism would have been a significant betrayal of the English protestant establishment, which had been hard-fought during the previous century, so he kept it a secret, even from close advisors.
The Treaty of Dover was a significant moment in early modern Europe because it represented the shift away from intra-Catholic warfare toward religious parity, as well as the economic and political arrangements between Britain and France. Students should be taught about this treaty in the context of the European Reformation and how it impacted international relations in the 17th century. It is an important moment in Anglo-French history that highlights the importance of faith, politics, and economics in the diplomatic relations of the early-modern period.
Teaching students about the Treaty of Dover will provide them with a better understanding of the political and religious complexities of the time. It is a critical moment that could help students contextualize current debates about the relationship between religion and politics. As students study this topic, they will learn the importance of understanding the past and how it influences present-day dialogue and events.
