ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the Plowman case itself, that is on the Mediterranean journey of William Plowman. The chapter places the Plowman case in a wider European scenario, illustrating why the case became so significant for England and Tuscany.
From a political and diplomatic point of view, the Plowman case began at a moment of particular tension between Tuscany, France and England. Indeed, Tuscany a few years earlier had taken several political, diplomatic and dynastic stances against France which had an impact on the outcome of the Nine Years’ War. As Plowman’s piracy was conducted mainly against French ships, France tried instrumentally to use Plowman’s actions against Tuscany. But relations between England and Tuscany were also tense, as the Glorious Revolution had severed diplomatic and dynastic ties between the two countries. The Tuscan decision to incarcerate Plowman and freeze his company’s assets prompted a reaction from Britain. The latter saw in the controversy an opportunity to strengthen its influence over Tuscany, while re-establishing its diplomatic presence in the Italian peninsula.
