Pitt, seeing evidence of growing Franco-Spanish co-operation,…

1761 CE

Pitt, seeing evidence of growing Franco-Spanish co-operation, suggests it is only a matter of time before Spain enters the war.

The prospect of war with Spain shatters the cabinet unity that has existed up to this point.

Pitt strongly advocates a pre-emptive strike that would allow them to capture the annual plate fleet, denying Spain of its vital resources of wealth that are shipped in.

The rest of the cabinet refuses, and Pitt resigns.

In spite of this war with Spain swiftly becomes unavoidable; by 1761 France looks like losing the war against Great Britain.

Furthermore, Spain suffers from attacks by British privateers in Spanish waters, and claims compensation.

Charles, fearing that a British victory over France in the Seven Years' War will upset the balance of colonial power, signs the Family Compact with France (both countries are ruled by branches of the Bourbon family) in August 1761.

As a result on January 4, 1762, Britain will duly declare war on Spain.

Locations
London Middlesex United Kingdom View →

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Charles III of Spain View → William Pitt View →

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France, (Bourbon) Kingdom of View → Spain, Bourbon Kingdom of View → Britain, Kingdom of Great View →

Topics
Colonization of the Americas, Portuguese View → Colonization of the Americas, Spanish View → Colonization of Asia, Spanish View → Colonization of Asia, Portuguese View → Colonization of Asia, French View → Colonization of the Americas, French View → Colonization of the Americas, British View → Colonization of Asia, British View → Seven Years' War View →

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Conflict View → Government View → Custom and Law View →

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