The Anglo-Dutch wars of the 17th century were caused mainly by the economic rivalry between England and the Dutch Republic. The First War was declared by Holland in response to the English Parliament's passage of the Navigation Act of 1651, which was directed against Dutch intermediary trade. The second war was also declared by Holland in January 1665, but in fact it began back in 1664 with the capture by an English naval expedition of the Dutch colony in North America - New Amsterdam. The Third Anglo-Dutch War was closely intertwined with previous military events, in the new war the main enemy The Dutch Republic was France. These wars were fought mainly at sea and played a significant role in the development of fleets and naval art. The next book in the series tells about famous and unknown naval battles and heroes of the Anglo-Dutch wars.