Capture of Minorca (1708) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Capture of Minorca |
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| Part of the War of the Spanish Succession | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Great Britain Dutch Republic |
 Bourbon Spain |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| James Stanhope George Wade Sir John Leake |
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The Capture of Minorca happened in September 1708. During this event, the island of Menorca (which the British called Minorca) was taken from Spain. This happened during a big conflict called the War of the Spanish Succession. British and Dutch forces worked together. They were helping the Austrian leader, Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor, who wanted to be the King of Spain. Later, in 1713, Britain officially took control of the island. This was agreed upon in a peace deal called the Treaty of Utrecht.
Why This War Started
Since 1702, a major war had been going on. It was called the War of the Spanish Succession. The main reason for the war was to decide who would become the next King of Spain. Britain and the Netherlands supported the Austrian leader. France and its allies wanted a French person to be the new king.
In 1704, the British and Dutch navy captured Gibraltar. They also won a sea battle against the Spanish fleet. This was called the Battle of Málaga. Allied forces also landed in an area of Spain called Catalunya. They managed to capture Barcelona in 1705. Many people in Catalunya supported the Austrian leader. They often joined the Allied armies.
The Landing on Minorca
On September 14, 1708, a naval force arrived at Menorca. This force included ships and soldiers from Britain and the Netherlands. General James Stanhope was in charge. They landed on the island and began to attack the town of Mahón.
Sir Edward Whitaker also helped with the capture. He joined Sir John Leake in the Mediterranean Sea. Together, they helped take control of Menorca. They captured other places like Fornelle and Ciutadella de Menorca. The people living on the island were mostly pro-Austria. They welcomed the British and Dutch soldiers. They saw them as people who would set them free. Just one week later, the Spanish and French soldiers defending the island gave up.
What Happened Next
The British quickly realized how important Menorca could be. It was a great place for a naval base. A naval base is a port where navy ships can stop, refuel, and get supplies. So, the British decided to take full control of the island. Other countries agreed to this in the Treaty of Utrecht.
After Menorca was captured, trade on the island grew a lot. The British also spent a lot of money. They rebuilt and made the island's defenses stronger. This helped the island become more successful.
Britain controlled Menorca for many years. They held it on and off until 1802. Then, it was given back to Spain as part of a peace agreement. During the time Britain held it, Menorca became very important. It helped Britain protect its interests in the Mediterranean Sea.
See also
In Spanish: Toma de Menorca (1708) para niños
