When did the French and Spanish blockade Gibraltar?

The French and Spanish blockade of Gibraltar began in 1779 and was part of the broader context of the American Revolutionary War. The siege aimed to capture this strategically significant British stronghold, which controls access to the Mediterranean Sea.

During the blockade, the combined French and Spanish fleets aimed to cut off supplies and reinforcements to the garrison, which lasted for several years. The efforts culminated in various battles and significant military maneuvers; however, the siege ultimately did not succeed in taking Gibraltar from British control.

Understanding the precise date of the blockade is essential for grasping the military strategies and geopolitical alliances of the time. The other dates provided do not correspond to the initiation of the blockade, with the year 1778 being too early and the years 1780 and 1781 falling outside of the siege's starting point. This historical context is critical for appreciating the significance of Gibraltar as a naval base and the tactical decisions made by the French and Spanish during the conflict.