Act of Seclusion

[3] The subsequent Treaty of Westminster which ended the war meant that the Dutch were forced to give a number of concessions to England.

In addition, Johan de Witt, Grand Pensionary of Holland, and Oliver Cromwell ensured that the Orangist regent faction would be much weakened.

This strengthend De Witt's party, while English Republicans no longer needed to fear that William III (four years of age at the time) could become a strong Dutch leader who could bring the Stuarts to whom he was closely related through his mother Mary, Princess Royal and Princess of Orange, back on the English throne[citation needed].

[5] Nowadays, different positions are taken in this matter stemming from the suspicion that De Witt may have manipulated the writings out of fear that they might fall into the wrong hands.

Ironically, William III would later drive out the Stuart King James II during the Glorious Revolution and thereby end moves in England towards absolutism.