Capture of Gorée facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Capture of Gorée
Part of Seven Years' War
The reduction of Gorée, Dominic Serres
Date December 1758 Location Gorée, French Empire 14°40′01″N 17°23′54″W / 14.6669°N 17.3983°W / 14.6669; -17.3983 Result British victory
Belligerents
Great Britain	France
Commanders and leaders
Augustus Keppel	Blaise de Saint-Jean
Strength
11 warships	300
Casualties and losses
None	300 captured

The Capture of Gorée was an important event that happened in December 1758. It was part of a big global conflict called the Seven Years' War. During this time, a British naval force, led by Augustus Keppel, attacked and took control of the French island of Gorée. This island is located off the coast of Senegal in West Africa.

What Was the Seven Years' War?

The Seven Years' War (1756-1763) was a major conflict that involved many powerful countries. It was fought all over the world, including Europe, North America, and parts of Africa and Asia. The main countries fighting were Great Britain and France. They were competing for control of trade routes and colonies around the globe.

Gorée: An Important Island

Gorée is a small island located near the coast of Senegal. In the 1700s, it was an important trading post for the French. Its location made it a valuable spot for controlling trade in the region. The island had strong defenses, including a fortress, to protect French interests.

Gorée and its fortifications

The British Attack

In December 1758, the British decided to capture Gorée. They sent a naval expedition led by Augustus Keppel. Keppel was a skilled British naval commander. His fleet included 11 warships, which were powerful ships armed with many cannons.

When the British ships arrived at Gorée, they began to attack the French fortress. They fired their cannons at the island's defenses. This type of attack is called a bombardment. The French commander on the island was Blaise Estoupan de Saint-Jean. He had about 300 soldiers defending the island.

After bombarding the fortress, Keppel sent his marines to land on the island. Marines are soldiers who are trained to fight on land and at sea. They were ready to take control of the island by force.

What Happened Next?

Faced with the strong British attack, the French commander Blaise Estoupan de Saint-Jean decided to surrender. He handed over the fortress and the island to the British. All 300 French soldiers became prisoners of war. The British also captured 110 cannons and mortars from the island. This was a significant victory for Great Britain.

The British occupied Gorée after its capture. They held control of the island until 1763. In that year, the Treaty of Paris (1763) was signed. This treaty officially ended the Seven Years' War. As part of the peace agreement, Gorée was returned to France.