Speaking of Downs Campaign, it can also be called Downs Campaign, which is an integral part of the 80-year War and the 30-year War. The war took place in 1639, 10, 2 1. The Dutch naval fleet successfully transferred a fleet of 77 Spanish and Flemish warships led by Spanish naval commander Okundo. After the naval battle, Spain suffered heavy losses and gave up its attempt to conquer Holland. At the same time, the Netherlands has also won the reputation as a maritime power.
101October 2 1 day, Trop took action, 100 more than warships rushed into the downs anchorage from the south and north waterways. Cannons, arson boats, docks, Dutch three-board axes cut to the west-Portuguese Coalition forces. 77 warships were blocked in the narrow anchorage by 1 17, and were beaten black and blue, filled with smoke and covered with dark clouds. The largest battleship in the alliance, the Saint Teresa, was hit and caught fire, and it exploded and sank. At that time, the Spanish and Portuguese navies, which were among the best in the European navies, behaved like fish bellies. Of the 77 warships, only Admiral Oquendo led seven warships to escape through the burning smoke, and returned to Dunkirk on June 1 65438+1October1day. It is estimated that Spain lost 43 ships and killed about 6,000 people in the naval battle. The loss in the Netherlands was 10 arson boat, and about 1000 people died.
This naval battle marks a major turning point in the naval power of the world. Spain failed to rebuild its naval superiority after the 30-year war, and it was not until the beginning of18th century that the Netherlands completely replaced it as the most powerful naval force in the world. The Spanish can no longer put out the "fire of rebellion" in the seven northern provinces. Soon the two sides reached a settlement and Spain recognized the independence of the seven northern provinces. This war also made Trop win great popularity. He became a national hero in the hearts of the Dutch, and was promoted to general and became the spiritual leader of the Dutch navy.
However, the battle of Downs took place in British territorial waters, which openly undermined Britain's neutral position. For Britain, the inability of the navy to intervene is a great shame. Britain's aversion to this incident may have a certain impact on the outbreak of the first Anglo-Dutch war.