1. Early Colonial Period (16th-18th centuries):
* Spanish Dominance: During this period, Spain held vast territories in the Americas, including much of the Caribbean, Central and South America. The British, through companies like the British East India Company, primarily focused on trade and settlements in North America.
* British Expansion: Over time, the British pushed into the Caribbean, taking islands like Jamaica (1655) from Spain.
2. 18th Century Wars:
* The War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714): This war saw the British gain control of Gibraltar from Spain.
* The Seven Years' War (1756-1763): This conflict resulted in significant territorial changes, with Britain gaining control of Florida from Spain (although it was returned in the 1783 Treaty of Paris).
* The American Revolution (1775-1783): While not a direct British-Spanish conflict, Spain supported the Americans and gained some Florida territory as a result.
3. 19th Century:
* 1804: The Spanish lost control of Haiti to a slave rebellion.
* 1810-1825: Latin American independence movements led to the loss of most Spanish colonies in South America.
* 1898 Spanish-American War: This war led to the Spanish cession of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Guam to the United States. The Philippines were also ceded to the U.S., though Spain did not directly transfer it to British control.
4. 20th Century:
* Gibraltar: While part of Spain, Gibraltar remains under British control.
* Falklands War (1982): Argentina, which had gained independence from Spain, attempted to retake the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), but was defeated by British forces.
To Summarize:
* Direct British control: The British primarily gained control of territories previously held by Spain in the Caribbean (Jamaica, etc.) and Gibraltar.
* Indirect British control: The American Revolution led to a shift in power in North America, as the Spanish supported the colonists and gained some territory (Florida). The Spanish-American War, though not a direct transfer of territory, significantly shifted the balance of power in the region.
It's important to note that the relationship between Britain and Spain was complex and often intertwined with the dynamics of other European powers. It's best to consider the specific period and context you're interested in to understand the details of the transfer of power between these two nations.