CHAPTER III.
WAR OF ENGLAND AND FRANCE IN ALLIANCE AGAINST THE UNITED PROVINCES, 1672-1674 .-- FINALLY, OF FRANCE AGAINST COMBINED EUROPE, 1674-1678 .-- SEA BATTLES OF SOLEBAY, THE TEXEL, AND STROMBOLI.
Shortly before the conclusion of the Peace of Breda, Louis XIV.

made his first step toward seizing parts of the Spanish Netherlands and Franche Comte.

At the same time that his armies moved forward, he sent out a State paper setting forth his claims upon the territories in question.

This paper showed unmistakably the ambitious character of the young king, roused the anxiety of Europe, and doubtless increased the strength of the peace party in England.

Under the leadership of Holland, but with the hearty co-operation of the English minister, an alliance was formed between the two countries and Sweden, hitherto the friend of France, to check Louis' advance before his power became too great.