Treaty of Aranjuez (1779)
Aranjuez, Community of Madrid, Spain
What happened
France, through the Comte de Vergennes, and Spain, through Count Floridablanca, signed a secret alliance. France was already fighting Britain in support of the American Revolution. At the royal town of Aranjuez, Spain agreed to join the war on France's side. In return France would help Spain win back Menorca, Gibraltar and Florida from Britain.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It brought Spain into the war against Britain. A secret clause linked American independence to Spain recovering Gibraltar, without Congress knowing.
What came next
Spain declared war on Britain in June 1779 and began the Great Siege of Gibraltar, which failed. Spain did win back Menorca and Florida in the 1783 peace.
Did you know?
The Great Siege of Gibraltar that followed lasted three years, seven months and twelve days.
Timeline
- 12 April 1779The Treaty of Aranjuez is signed.
- June 1779Spain declares war on Britain.
- 24 June 1779The Great Siege of Gibraltar begins.
- 7 February 1783The siege is lifted.