Pitt An The Netherlands

Question 1

What was the situation in the Netherlands?

Answer 1

. Many in the Netherlands/ the merchant class resented British competition for trade and also disliked British trade restrictions imposed during the war.
. A radical 'patriot' party had sprung up which was pro French and the fear was that this group would get French help and overthrow the house of Orange, this would leave the French in effective control of the Netherlands.
. The Triple Alliance was essentially the alliance between Britain, Prussia and those who supported the house of orange. 
. Britain aided the house of Orange by supplying them with money, arms and ammunition but did not take an active role the crisis, they left the fighting to the Prussians.
. Wilhelmina the sister to the king of Prussia encouraged Willem V to send troops to the Netherlands in support of the house of Orange.

Question 2

What repercussions would a French dominated Netherlands have for Britain?

Answer 2

. France would dominate Belgium and prevent Britain from using the Scheldt river as a vital trade route into Europe
. It would threaten British security as the lowlands/ Netherlands are a perfect staging area for an invasion of Britain

Question 3

How was the situation in Netherlands a success for Pitts foreign policy?

Answer 3

. The events of the Triple Alliance effectively ended British diplomatic isolation and prevented French expansion into the lowlands.
. The patriots were defeated and as a result France did not gain influence in the Netherlands
. Pitt made it clear to Prussia that Britain would not become involved in quarrels in Europe.

Question 4

How was the situation in the Netherlands a failure for Pitts foreign policy?

Answer 4

. The Patriots still remained a threat and were not ultimately destroyed, they again asked for revolutionary Frances help in 1792.
. The French still had ambitions in the Netherlands