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Why did Britain and the United Provinces force the Ostend Company to close?

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Britain and the United Provinces forced the Ostend Company to close primarily because they feared economic competition. Established by Holy Roman emperor Charles VI in 1722 to trade with Asia, the company threatened the established dominance of the Dutch and English East India companies.12

This rivalry was intensified by the company's success and its decision to seek political support from Spain in 1725. Facing significant diplomatic opposition from Britain, the United Provinces, and other European powers, Charles VI initially suspended the company in 1727 to secure international recognition for his daughter Maria Theresa’s right of succession. Ultimately, the company was formally dissolved by the Treaty of Vienna in 1731 in exchange for the recognition of the Pragmatic Sanction.1