ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the Dutch Republic was struggling and placed itself under the protection of Queen Elizabeth of England. England sent the Earl of Leicester as her governor-general, together with monies and troop reinforcements for the Dutch insurgents. This maintained the struggle with Spain, but Leicester attempted to gain too much power and tried to set up governing and military structures that sidelined the States-General. The States-General, led by Oldenbarneveldt and the States of Holland, resisted Oldenbarneveldt, supported by Maurits and William Lodewijk, as head of the armed forces and engaged in a political power struggle with Leicester to prevent him from acquiring more power. After years of struggle, Leicester was recalled by Elizabeth, who needed his counsel and support during the Mary Queen of Scots and Armada crises. During the Armada crisis, the Dutch navy gave valuable assistance to the English during the battles. However, the Dutch had also learned from the struggle with Leicester and resolved to look to their own.
