Research topic: Maarten Harpertszoon Tromp

Maarten Harpertszoon Tromp , 1597-1653, Dutch admiral. A sailor from childhood, he joined the navy and rose to the rank of lieutenant admiral in 1637. In 1639, by remarkable tactics, he was able to blockade and crush a Spanish fleet in the Downs of the English Channel; this defeat marked the passing of Spanish sea power. In June, 1652, his refusal to lower his flag in deference to the English Admiral Robert Blake started the first of the Dutch Wars . He won control of the English Channel by his victory (Dec., 1652) over the English off Dungeness, but he was soon forced to withdraw before superior... Read more