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After the assassination of William the Silent, the desperate Dutch offered sovereignty over the country to Elizabeth I of England and Henri III of France, and were refused by both in turn. Given that Henri was Catholic and embroiled in the instability of the French Wars of Religion (although not quite yet the Wars of the Three Henries), it is rather easy to see why he declined. But why did the Protestant and anti-spanish Elizabeth refuse the Dutch throne? Was it because she didn't want to anger Spain at that time (although only a year would pass before the Treaty of Nonsuch)? Is it because the confederal nature of the Netherlands would ensure that it would be completely ungovernable by her monarchical standards? Is it something else?
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