When and how did the British take Havana in Cuba?
The British take Havana
La toma de La Habana por los ingleses
7 June 1762–1763. Spain entered the Seven Years' War on France's side late in 1761, and in 1762 Britain struck at the key of the Spanish Caribbean.
Where: The Spanish Caribbean, Cuba, Havana, United States
What happened
Spain entered the Seven Years' War on France's side late in 1761, and in 1762 Britain struck at the key of the Spanish Caribbean. A fleet of about 180 sail with 22 ships of the line under Admiral Pocock landed the Earl of Albemarle's army at Cojímar, east of Havana, on 7 June. The Morro fortress, which guarded the harbour mouth, held out for weeks before it was stormed at the end of July, and the city surrendered in August. The British occupied Havana for almost a year, opening it to free trade and bringing thousands of enslaved Africans. By the Treaty of Paris of 1763 Spain got Havana (and Manila, also taken) back in exchange for Florida, whose Spanish population left for Cuba. The shock drove the Bourbon reforms of defence and trade across the empire.
Say it
Los ingleses ocuparon La Habana casi un año.
The British occupied Havana for almost a year.
Why it matters
Losing Havana taught Madrid that the empire could fall to the British navy; the reforms and the sugar-and-slavery boom that followed made Cuba Spain's richest colony.
Read about it
Connected
- Havana is founded (c. 16 November 1519)
- Havana is founded (c. 16 November 1519)
- Silver and the first global trade (1545–1800)
- The slave asiento goes to Britain (26 March 1713–1750)
- The Bourbon reforms (c. 1765–1788)
- The Bourbon reforms (c. 1765–1788)
- Before: The slave asiento goes to Britain
- After: The Bourbon reforms
Sources
- The Capture of Havana, 1762: Landing Cannon and Stores, 30 June — Royal Museums Greenwich
- The British Period (1763-1784), Castillo de San Marcos — U.S. National Park Service
- Spanish Treasure Fleets — World History Encyclopedia