 The conflict was not only a dynastic dispute between Habsburgs and Bourbons, but also an issue affecting the security of England and the Dutch Republic.The French army remained on a war footing, but by 1699, the English military had been reduced to 7,000, with another 12,000 in Ireland.That made a diplomatic solution attractive to William, even if it was only temporary, and it provided an opportunity to create a framework for a lasting peace.