Why was Admiral Byng executed in 1757?

Admiral Byng was executed in 1757 primarily for not attacking Minorca when the French invaded. This decision was viewed as a significant failure to act decisively in a critical military situation during the Seven Years' War. At the time, the British government and public held strong expectations for robust leadership in defending their territories, particularly in the wake of the French threat. Byng's failure to engage the enemy and protect Minorca, which ultimately fell to the French, led to widespread criticism and a perception that he had not executed his duties to the best of his ability.

The execution served as a controversial and extreme response, reflecting the naval and military culture of the time, where accountability and decisive action were heavily emphasized. This incident is also often cited as an example of the pressures faced by military leaders during wartime and the consequences of perceived failures in performance and leadership.