Minorca

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The Balearic Island of Menorca was occupied by the British during the War of the Spanish Succession.

Establishment

April 1713: In 1713, as part of the Treaty of Utrecht, Spain ceded the rock of Gibraltar and the island of Menorca in the Balearic Islands to England. This decision was made by the Spanish King Philip V and the British Queen Anne as a result of the War of Spanish Succession.

Chronology

Interactive Chronologies with maps are available in the section Changes Navigation

1. War of the Spanish Succession

The death of childless Charles II of Spain in November 1700 led to a struggle for control of the Spanish Empire between his heirs, Philip of Anjou and Charles of Austria, and their respective supporters. It was a global war, with fighting taking place in Europe, Asia, and America. At the end of the war, Philip II, who was the successor chosen by Charles II as a descendant of Charles' paternal half-sister Maria Theresa, became King of Spain and of its overseas empire. The Spanish possessions in Europe were partitioned between various European Monarchies.

1.1.Treaty of Utrecht

Were a series of treaties to end the War of the Spanish Succession.

2. Seven Years´ War

Was a global conflict that involved most of the European great powers, and was fought primarily in Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific. At the end of the war the main winner was Great Britain, that obtained territories in North America, the Caribbean and India, becoming the most powerful maritime and colonial of the European powers.

2.1.French Capture of Minorca

Was the French invasion of British-held Minorca during the Seven Years' War.

June 1756: The French opened the campaign against the British with an attack on Menorca in the Mediterranean. A British attempt at relief was foiled at the Battle of Minorca, and the island was captured on 28 June.

2.2.Treaty of Paris (1763)

Was a treaty signed on 10 February 1763 by the kingdoms of Great Britain, France and Spain, with Portugal in agreement, after Great Britain and Prussia's victory over France and Spain during the Seven Years' War.

February 1763: Treaty of Paris (1763): France and Spain restored all their conquests to Britain and Portugal.

3. American Revolutionary War

Was the war of independence of the United States of America (at the time the Thirteen Colonies) against Great Britain.

3.1.Anglo-Spanish War (1779-1783)

Was a war between Spain and Great Britain during the American Revolutionary War.

3.1.1.Invasion of Minorca

Was the reconquest of Menorca by Franco-Spanish forces during the American Revolutionary War.

August 1781: When the Spanish troops entered the town of Mahón, most of the remaining population was on their side, and greeted them with cheers.

August 1781: In 1781, during the American Revolutionary War, Georgetown (today Es Castell, on the Island of Menorca) was captured by Spanish forces led by Governor Bernardo de Gálvez. Only 152 prisoners were taken as the Spanish military occupation of the territory began.

August 1781: Spanish Admiral Luis de Córdova led the Spanish fleet in the Battle of Cape Spartel in 1781. The fleet successfully landed at Mesquida bay, marking the beginning of Spain's military occupation of the territory.

August 1781: In 1781, during the American Revolutionary War, Spanish troops led by Bernardo de Gálvez captured the British-held territories of Ciudadela and Fornells in Menorca. The small British garrison of about 50 men offered little resistance.

February 1782: The Siege of Fort St. Philip in 1782 was a key battle during the Anglo-Spanish War. The British forces, led by General Murray, defended the fort against the Spanish, led by the Duke of Crillon. After a long and bloody siege, the fort fell to the Spanish, leading to the military occupation of Menorca by Spain.