On This Day In History: Great Siege Of Gibraltar Begins – On June 16, 1779

AncientPages.com - On June 16, 1779, the Great Siege of Gibraltar began when  Spain declared war on the Kingdom of Great Britain.

This historical event was the most significant military action fought during the American War of Independence in terms of numbers. The Americans did not participate directly, but only their European allies, who decided to attack Great Britain at a strategic location.

Admiral George Rodney's relief fleet at Gibraltar with captured Spanish battleships from the Battle of Cape St Vincent, by Dominic Serres

Admiral George Rodney's relief fleet at Gibraltar with captured Spanish battleships from the Battle of Cape St Vincent, by Dominic Serres. Image credit: Dominic Serres - source - Public Domain

During the American War of Independence (1775–1783), the invasion occurred after France and Spain decided to support the Americans against the British.

The attacking forces (French and Spanish) in the Great Siege of Gibraltar had approximately 63,000 soldiers, sailors, and marines (troops disembarked from ships and into the battle).

The British at first defended Gibraltar with only about five thousand men. It placed the defenders in a problematic situation due to a lack of food. Of course, the besiegers blocked Gibraltar from land and sea, blocking the arrival of any outside help.

Siege of Gibraltar. Siege of Gibraltar. Panoramic view of Gibraltar under siege from Spanish fleet and land positions in foreground: Image source - Public Domain

The besiegers tried to break the defenses by launching a grand direct attack, but they failed. After about three and a half years, the siege was broken.

Although they saved Gibraltar, the British lost the war in America, and the United States achieved independence.

The British have held Gibraltar since 1704. Since they managed to defend it during the Great siege, they have kept it to this day – Gibraltar has been in British hands for more than 300 years.

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