Treaty of Dover - Definition and Overview

The Treaty of Dover was secret treaty of 1670 between Charles II of England and Louis XIV of France.

In the treaty Charles II of England agreed to convert to Roman Catholicism, and to convert England to that same faith. he would also abandon England's Triple Alliance with Sweden and the Netherlands in favour of war against the Netherlands. In return, Louis XIV promised to provide Charles with ample funds (to free Charles from dependence on Parliament) and a force of 6,000 troops to help put down any internal revolts that might occur.

Following the treaty England subsequently became involved in the Dutch War on the side of France, fighting the third Third Anglo-Dutch War from 1672 to 1674. Charles never followed through on his agreement to convert as soon after England turned against France, switching sides to ally with the Dutch.