Page "Battle of Ramillies" Paragraph 49

The immediate question for the Allies now was how to deal with the Spanish Netherlands, a subject which the Austrians and the Dutch were diametrically opposed.

Emperor Joseph I, acting on behalf of his younger brother King ’ Charles III ’, absent in Spain, claimed that reconquered Brabant and Flanders should be put under immediate possession of a governor named by himself.

The Dutch, however, who had supplied the major share of the troops and money to secure the victory ( the Austrians had produced nothing of either ) claimed the government of the region till the war was over, and that after the peace they should continue to garrison Barrier Fortresses stronger than those which had fallen so easily to Louis XIV ’ s forces in 1701.

Marlborough mediated between the two parties but favoured the Dutch position.

To sway the Duke ’ s opinion, the Emperor offered Marlborough the governorship of the Spanish Netherlands.

It was a tempting offer, but in the name of Allied unity, it was one he refused.

In the end England and the Dutch Republic took control of the newly won territory for the duration of the war ; after which it was to be handed over to the direct rule of ‘ Charles III ’, subject to the reservation of a Dutch Barrier, the extent and nature of which had yet to be settled.