Anglo-Spanish War (1762–1763)

The Anglo-Spanish War (1762–1763) was a conflict fought between Great Britain and Spain as part of the larger Seven Years' War. Spain entered the war on the side of France due to the Family Compact, a treaty of alliance between the Bourbon monarchies of France and Spain.

The primary British objective was to seize Spanish colonial possessions, disrupting Spain's empire and securing strategic advantages. Major engagements included the British capture of Havana, Cuba, and Manila, Philippines. These victories significantly weakened Spain's ability to project power and control its overseas territories.

British forces successfully occupied Havana in August 1762 after a protracted siege. Simultaneously, a British expedition captured Manila in October 1762, though news of the peace treaty arrived before British control could be fully consolidated throughout the Philippine archipelago.

The war concluded with the Treaty of Paris in 1763. Spain ceded Florida to Great Britain in exchange for the return of Havana and Manila. France also compensated Spain with the cession of the western half of French Louisiana. Although relatively short, the Anglo-Spanish War had significant long-term consequences, altering the balance of power in the Americas and contributing to growing tensions that would eventually lead to the American Revolution. The war also highlighted vulnerabilities in the Spanish colonial empire and spurred reforms aimed at strengthening its defenses.