The Elizabethan spirit of enterprise. Elizabeth and the revolt
of the Netherlands. Mission of Leicester. Rise of the Dutch
Republic. Its cumbrous form of government. Oldenbarneveldt and
Maurice of Nassau. Character of Elizabeth's policy. Treaty of
1598. Attitude of James I to the Dutch. Negotiations for the
twelve years' truce. Intrigues of the Spaniards to gain James's
support. The Venetian, Nicolo Molin's review of the situation.
Conclusion of the truce. Changed relations between England and
the States. Royal proclamation of 1609 restricting liberty of
fishing in the British seas. Indignation in Holland. Dutch
embassy sent to London. The States-General promise protection to
their fishermen. Winwood's interview with Oldenbarneveldt. The
Fisheries question. _Magnus Intercursus._ Treaty of Binche. The
Great (or Herring) Fishery. Its importance. The basis of Dutch
trade. The Proclamation popular in England. James's motives.
Grotius's _Mare Liberum_. Conferences with the Dutch envoys.
The Jülich-Cleves Succession. Siege of Jülich. Execution of
Fisheries Proclamation postponed. The Spanish Marriage question.
Situation in 1611 as reported by the Venetian, Marcantonio
Correr PAGES 11-33.