ABSTRACT
The year 1779 had been a disappointing one for France and Spain in both Europe and America. Little had been effected in the western hemisphere, while the invasion of Britain had failed to produce any result. One reason had been the poor performance of the Spanish Navy off the coast of Britain. But the attempt had also exposed the difficulties of launching an invasion across the Channel. Among the more pertinent obstacles were the uncertainties of the weather and the lack of suitable ports along France’s northern coasts to shelter the fleet and provide bases for embarking the army. Although Spain wanted to renew the invasion plan, Vergennes and Sartine determined to direct their resources in 1780 to the Caribbean and North American theatres. The capture of the British West Indian islands would damage Britain’s ability to finance the war, while a successful campaign in North America would fulfill France’s principal aim of dismantling her rival’s empire. The result would be a devastating double blow for the enemy. The most that Vergennes would contemplate in home waters (therefore) was a naval demonstration at the western end of the Channel. 1
