Entre “embargo general” y “libre comercio”. Las relaciones mercantiles entre Francia y España de 1598 a 1609

Abstract

This article deals with the “free trade” controversy at the late sixteenth-century and early seventeenth-century as a result of the policy of embargoes, reprisals, priveteering and custom rates increasings used alternatively by the United Provinces, England, France or Spain between 1598 and 1609. The article explores the most significant diplomatic decisions taken at that period (peace treaties such as those of 1598 –Vervins– or 1604 –London–) and the consequences derived from them to old and new allies and neutrals, highlighting the case of France as the most likely benefitted from these course of developments.