Falklands Crisis of 1770 Facts for Kids

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Falklands Crisis of 1770

Date	1770
Location	Falkland Islands
Result	status quo ante

Belligerents

Spain

France

Great Britain

Commanders and leaders

Duc de Choiseul

Jerónimo Grimaldi

Edward Hawke

The Falklands Crisis of 1770 was a big disagreement between Great Britain and Spain. They were arguing over who owned the Falkland Islands. These islands are in the South Atlantic Ocean.

This argument almost started a war. Britain, Spain, and even France were ready to send their navies. They all wanted to protect their claims to the islands. The Falklands might seem empty, but they were important for controlling sea routes.

In the end, France did not support Spain. So, Spain faced the powerful British Royal Navy alone. Spain decided to back down and talk things over. Britain won a diplomatic victory. They reached an agreement where both countries kept their settlements. However, neither side gave up its claim to own the islands.

History of the Falkland Islands
The 1770 Crisis
- How the Crisis Was Solved
What Happened Next
See also

History of the Falkland Islands

Many historians from Britain and Spain say their own explorers found the islands first. This led to both sides claiming the islands. They based their claims on who discovered them earlier.

In January 1690, an English sailor named John Strong sailed between the two main islands. He named the passage "Falkland Channel." This was after Anthony Cary, 5th Viscount Falkland. Later, the whole group of islands got its English name from this channel.

Early Claims and British Interest

During the 1600s, the English government wanted to claim the islands. But it wasn't until 1748 that London really paid attention. This was after a report from Admiral Lord Anson.

Spain didn't like a planned British trip to the islands. This made the two countries take sides. For a while, things stayed calm. But then, France got involved.

French Settlement in the Falklands

After the Seven Years' War, France wanted to improve its position in the South Atlantic. A French explorer, Louis de Bougainville, started a settlement. He brought people to Berkeley Sound on East Falkland in February 1764. This place is now called Port Louis. He returned with more settlers and supplies in 1765.

British Claim and Spanish Response

In January 1765, the British also explored and claimed the Falklands. They didn't know about the French settlement. John Byron led this British effort. They decided that Port Egmont on the western island was the best spot for a naval base.

Britain's government quickly decided to set up a base at Port Egmont. They sent Captain John McBride and a group of marines in October 1765.

Spain put pressure on France after learning about Bougainville's settlement. France then gave Port Louis to Spain on April 1, 1767. Spain renamed it Puerto Soledad.

When Byron returned, Spain learned about Britain's activities in the South Atlantic. Many talks and arguments followed between Spain's ambassador, Masserano, and Britain's Secretary of State, the Earl of Shelburne.

These talks went on for years without much progress. Britain made it clear that Spain's old claims to the South Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were no longer valid.

The 1770 Crisis

Edward Hawke, 1st Baron Hawke helped prepare the Royal Navy during this crisis.

In June 1770, the Spanish governor of Buenos Aires, Francisco de Paula Bucareli y Ursua, sent five warships to Port Egmont. On June 4, a Spanish ship arrived, followed by four more. They carried about 1400 marines.

The small British force at Port Egmont was led by Commander George Farmer. On June 10, the Spanish commander, Madariaga, told Farmer he had many troops and cannons. He said he would force the British to leave.

Farmer replied that he would fight as best he could. But when the Spanish landed, Farmer fired his cannons and then surrendered. The British were allowed to return to their country on their ship, the Favourite.

How the Crisis Was Solved

The crisis was solved when Lord North, who was Britain's Prime Minister, made a secret offer. He offered to leave Port Egmont if Spain first gave it back to Britain. Both sides agreed to this.

On January 22, 1771, the Spanish ambassador, the Prince of Masserano, made a statement. He said the King of Spain "disavows the violent enterprise of Bucareli." This meant Spain did not approve of Bucareli's actions. Spain also promised to give back Port Egmont with all its cannons and supplies.

The agreement also said that this promise to return Port Egmont did not affect who had the "prior right of sovereignty" over the islands. This meant the question of who truly owned the islands was still open.

Britain's Earl of Rochford accepted this. He said that Britain's King would see this as a "satisfaction for the injury done."

What Happened Next

The British returned to their base at Port Egmont. Captain John Stott arrived with the ships HMS Juno, HMS Hound, and HMS Florida. The port became an important stop for ships sailing around Cape Horn. However, Britain left the port in 1774. This was because they needed to reorganize their forces for the upcoming American Revolution.

The question of who owned the islands was not fully answered. This would cause problems in the future. Samuel Johnson wrote about the crisis. He said it would be hard for Britain to hold such far-off islands against a nearby hostile country. He felt a colony there could never be truly independent.

For Britain, the crisis was a diplomatic success. They showed they could quickly get their navy ready, unlike France or Spain. They used this to gain an advantage over both nations. The crisis made the British Prime Minister Lord North much stronger. It also made Britain believe that France would not dare to get involved in British colonial matters during the American War of Independence.

On the other hand, the crisis was a big embarrassment for France and Spain. For France, it ended the career of Choiseul, a key leader. However, Vergennes soon became powerful. He also believed Britain's gains from the Seven Years' War needed to be reversed. This set the stage for France's role in the American Revolutionary War.

Twenty years later, Spain asked France for help in a similar situation called the Nootka Crisis. This crisis also ended in Britain's favor. Britain again successfully prepared its navy, and France refused to help Spain. Spain had to back down once more.

Falklands Crisis of 1770 facts for kids

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