The Dutch Republic was exposed to numerous challenges during the period of 1650 to 1713. These challenges gave way for a transfer of power over control of the sea to occur, from Holland to English. The Dutch Republic heavily depended on the sea routes for trade and financial necessities during the late 17th century. With the shift of power that occurred, the Dutch Republic began to decline and with the decline, so did their security, unity, and prosperity. Before the 17th century, Holland had been a strong power, but they declined drastically after the English and French went to war with them.

The Navigation Acts, passed in England in 1651, started the downfall of the Dutch. These acts had aims against the Dutch controlling trade. These acts provided that goods imported into England and its colonies must be brought in English ships or in ships belonging to the country exporting the...