Charles II of England sold the city of Dunkirk to France in 1662 for £40,000. This strategic port city had been under British control since its capture in 1658 during the Franco-Spanish War. The sale of Dunkirk was part of a larger diplomatic agreement between England and France known as the Treaty of Dover.

The Treaty of Dover, negotiated by Charles II and King Louis XIV of France, aimed to strengthen the alliance between the two countries against their common enemies, particularly the Dutch Republic. As part of the treaty, Charles agreed to convert to Catholicism and support France in its ongoing conflicts in exchange for financial and military assistance.

The sale of Dunkirk was a key component of the treaty, as it allowed France to gain control of a strategically important port on the English Channel. The city had long been a point of contention between England and France, and its sale was seen as a significant concession by Charles II.

Despite the sale of Dunkirk, the alliance between England and France ultimately proved to be short-lived. The Treaty of Dover was unpopular in England and faced opposition from Parliament, leading to its eventual collapse. Charles II's decision to sell Dunkirk was widely criticized, and the city's loss was seen as a betrayal of British interests.

Today, Dunkirk remains a French port city with a rich history dating back to its medieval origins. The city has played a key role in various conflicts and wars over the centuries, and its strategic location on the English Channel continues to make it an important center of trade and commerce.

For more information on the sale of Dunkirk and the Treaty of Dover, you can visit the following links:

• History.com - Charles II Sells Dunkirk to France
• Britannica - Treaty of Dover

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