text: **Relations with the Dutch**
  
  During the Eighty Years' War with Spain, France supported the Dutch Republic as part 
  of a general policy of opposing Habsburg power. Johan de Witt, Dutch Grand 
  Pensionary from 1653 to 1672, viewed this as crucial for Dutch security and a 
  counterweight against his domestic Orangist opponents. Louis provided support in the 
  1665-1667 Second Anglo-Dutch War but used the opportunity to launch the War of 
  Devolution in 1667. This captured Franche-Comté and much of the Spanish 
  Netherlands; French expansion in this area was a direct threat to Dutch economic 
  interests.[41] 
  
  The Battle of Tolhuis, Louis XIV crosses 
  the Lower Rhine at Lobith on 12 June 
  1672; Rijksmuseum Amsterdam 
  
  The Dutch opened talks with Charles II of England on a common diplomatic front 
  against France, leading to the Triple Alliance, between England, the Dutch and 
  Sweden. The threat of an escalation and a secret treaty to divide Spanish possessions 
  with Emperor Leopold, the other major claimant to the throne of Spain, led Louis to relinquish many of his gains in the 1668 
  Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle.[42] 