The lack of a declaration of war shaped the opening of the engagement. Byng could not simply attack a Spanish force while the two countries were technically at peace. British ships instead closed aggressively and gave the Spanish little room until, according to the British official account, Spain opened fire. That account deserves caution because it came from the victorious side, although the presence of non-British witnesses aboard the ships makes it plausible. A formal declaration followed only weeks after the battle, while the British fleet was officially described as being on a peacekeeping mission. The encounter shows how a fleet could force a strategic decision while its government still claimed diplomatic restraint.
Notable Point · 7:31-9:04
Starting a fight before war is declared
Britain wanted Admiral George Byng to disrupt Spain's Sicilian expedition, but without a declaration of war he needed the Spanish to fire first; formal war followed only weeks after the battle.