WI: The Falklands Crisis of 1770 erupts into war

[Mort the Reaper]

In 1770, Britain and Spain had a diplomatic standoff over their respective claims of sovereignty over the Falkland Islands. Spain attempted to drag France into the dispute, and it seemed like war would break out. But French king Louis XV refused to let things escalate, and Spain was forced to negotiate a compromise.

What if the crisis had erupted into war?

 

[galanx]

At that time,, if France kept to its resolution to not interfere, Britain would have defeated Spain very handily.

 

[James Ricker]

That could have serious effects on the American Revolution
With war with Spain or France the England wouldn't want to deal with unrest in the colonies, so a deal would have to be made
The Colonists were eager to make a deal, with a war on their hands so would the English

 

[JanWellem]

That could have serious effects on the American Revolution
With war with Spain or France the England wouldn't want to deal with unrest in the colonies, so a deal would have to be made
The Colonists were eager to make a deal, with a war on their hands so would the English

A war which might well result in Spain having to cede the Louisiana territory gained from France after the Seven Years' War to British North America, which would also be a major game changer.