The balance in the Caribbean changed as British and French squadrons entered or left the theatre. A battle fought slightly earlier could therefore have involved a different numerical balance. Britain's strategic position also depended on keeping French invasion forces away from its home waters, so a setback near Minorca did not carry the same implications as a weakened Western Squadron. Hawke's victory at Quiberon Bay in 1759 demonstrates the importance of home defence in assessing British command of the sea.
Notable Point · 10:03-11:46
Local superiority and Britain's invasion defence
Changing Caribbean force ratios and Britain's need to prevent invasion give local naval defeats different strategic weight.