Historia de la Conquista de la Habana (1762)

Set against the backdrop of imperial rivalry, this work recounts the dramatic 1762 English seizure of Havana by the Count of Albemarle. The author places the event within Cuba’s longer Spanish colonial story, from Columbus’s discovery to the island’s growing strategic importance. Readers will discover how a brief occupation sparked a reassessment of Havana’s defenses and its Caribbean role.

Drawing on British reports, Spanish chronicles and early American newspapers, the narrative blends military details with diplomatic correspondence. It shows how Spain, alarmed by the loss, quickly reinforced the city with a formidable garrison and extensive fortifications. The author also notes early reforms in policing, finance and education that began reshaping Cuban society after the crisis.

The book concludes with the 1763 peace negotiations that returned Havana to Spanish control, illustrating the delicate balance of power between Britain, Spain and France. By focusing on this single episode, the study reveals how a short‑lived conquest can influence colonial policy for decades to come. Listeners will come away with a richer understanding of Cuba’s early modern history and the forces that shaped its destiny.