In 1770, a diplomatic crisis broke out between Spain and the UK over the Falklands when in June 1770, the Spanish governor of Buenos Aires, Francisco de Paula Bucareli y Ursua, sent five frigates under General Juan Ignacio de Madariaga to Port Egmont. On 4 June, a Spanish frigate anchored in the harbour; she was presently followed by four others, containing some 1400 marines. The small British force was under the command of Commander George Farmer. When the Spaniards landed, after firing his guns, Farmer capitulated on terms, an inventory of the stores being taken, and the British were permitted to return to their country in the Favourite.
Members of British Parliament were outraged over this perceived insult to national honour and demanded action from the government. The Foreign Ministry began to prepare for war.
The Spanish looked to their ally, France, for assistance, triggering the Pacte de familie between their two Bourbon monarchs. Louis XV, however, refused to support Spain against Britain, in defiance of his own Minister of War, Duc de Choiseul.
Eventually, Spain and Britain struck an uneasy compromise, in which neither side conceded the Falklands, but maintained their settlements on the islands.
But what if Louis XV did choose to support Spain against Britain and the Falklands War broke out in 1770 rather than 1982?
Members of British Parliament were outraged over this perceived insult to national honour and demanded action from the government. The Foreign Ministry began to prepare for war.
The Spanish looked to their ally, France, for assistance, triggering the Pacte de familie between their two Bourbon monarchs. Louis XV, however, refused to support Spain against Britain, in defiance of his own Minister of War, Duc de Choiseul.
Eventually, Spain and Britain struck an uneasy compromise, in which neither side conceded the Falklands, but maintained their settlements on the islands.
But what if Louis XV did choose to support Spain against Britain and the Falklands War broke out in 1770 rather than 1982?