#english_history 

## Main enemies
Britain's main enemies in the 17th century: Spain, Holland, France.
Holland -> Trade competition
France -> [[Glorious Revolution|William III]] brought Britain into the Dutch struggle with the French, and the British wanted to limit burgeoning French power.
By **the treaty of Utrecht in 1713** France accepted limits on its expansion as well as a political settlement for Europe. In the war Britain had also won Gibraltar, and could now control the entrance to the Mediterranean.

## India & America
The growing sugar economy of the West Indies increased the demand for slaves.