Capture of Pensacola (1719) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Capture of Pensacola
Part of War of the Quadruple Alliance
Bay of Pensacola
Date May 1719 Location Pensacola Result Status quo ante bellum
Belligerents
French	Spanish
Commanders and leaders
Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville

The Capture of Pensacola was an event that happened in May 1719. During this time, a big war called the War of the Quadruple Alliance was taking place in Europe. Even though the war was far away, its effects reached North America.

A French force, led by a man named Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, attacked and took control of the town of Pensacola. Pensacola was an important Spanish settlement in Spanish Florida.

The French held Pensacola for a few months. But in August 1719, a large Spanish army arrived. They forced the small group of French soldiers to give up. This meant the Spanish took Pensacola back.

However, the Spanish control didn't last long. On September 1, a French fleet (a group of warships) arrived. They quickly took Pensacola back from the Spanish.

When the War of the Quadruple Alliance finally ended, the agreement was that things would go back to how they were before the war. This meant Pensacola was officially returned to Spanish control. Even so, the French soldiers didn't leave Pensacola until 1726.

What Was the War of the Quadruple Alliance?

The War of the Quadruple Alliance was a conflict that happened in Europe between 1718 and 1720. It involved several powerful countries. These included France, Great Britain, the Netherlands, and Austria. They formed an alliance against Spain.

The main reason for the war was Spain's attempt to regain control of lands it had lost in Italy. These lands were given to Austria and Savoy after an earlier war. The fighting wasn't just in Europe. It also spread to the colonies in North America.

Why Was Pensacola Important?

Pensacola was a key settlement in Spanish Florida. It was located on a bay, which made it a good port. This port was important for trade and for protecting the Spanish territory.

Both France and Spain wanted control of this area. They saw it as a valuable place for their colonies. Having a strong port like Pensacola helped them control shipping routes and defend their lands.

The French Attack on Pensacola

In May 1719, Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville led the French attack. His forces moved quickly to take the Spanish fort and town. The Spanish defenders were not strong enough to stop them.

The French managed to capture Pensacola without a long fight. This gave France a strong foothold in the region. It was a big win for them in the early part of the war.

Spain Fights Back

The Spanish were not happy about losing Pensacola. They quickly gathered a large force to take it back. In August 1719, their army arrived at Pensacola.

The small group of French soldiers who were guarding the town could not hold out. They were forced to surrender to the Spanish. This meant Pensacola was back under Spanish control, but not for long.

France Takes It Again

Just a few weeks later, on September 1, 1719, a French fleet appeared off the coast of Pensacola. This was a powerful group of warships. They were there to help France regain control.

The French forces attacked again, this time with naval support. The Spanish garrison (the soldiers defending the town) was once again forced to surrender. Pensacola was back in French hands.

What Happened After the War?

When the War of the Quadruple Alliance ended, the peace treaty stated that things should go back to how they were before the war. This is called status quo ante bellum. For Pensacola, this meant it was officially returned to Spain.

However, the French soldiers did not leave right away. They stayed in Pensacola for several more years. It wasn't until 1726 that the French finally withdrew. Pensacola then remained under Spanish control.

See also

In Spanish: Toma de Pensacola (1719) para niños