1767-Jan.-07: The Republic of Holland finalized plans to expand its standing army to fifty thousand men by the upcoming winter season.

1767-Jan.-07: The Republic of Holland finalized plans to expand its standing army to fifty thousand men by the upcoming winter season. Informed observers considered this military buildup a certainty following a recent large-scale promotion of officers by the Prince Stadtholder. This expansion was primarily intended to safeguard Dutch commercial networks, which were the sole source of the nation’s prosperity. By strengthening its land forces, the Republic sought to negotiate from a position of power with other European nations and regional African leaders.