The 1762-1764 British Invasion of Manila: An Exercise in Colonial Hubris and Filipino Resistance

While often overshadowed by grander historical narratives, the British invasion of Manila from 1762 to 1764 stands as a fascinating episode revealing both the complexities of colonial power dynamics and the enduring spirit of Filipino resistance. This relatively brief but intense conflict was triggered by a confluence of factors, each playing a critical role in setting the stage for the British onslaught.

Firstly, the global arena of the 18th century was embroiled in the Seven Years’ War, a titanic struggle pitting Great Britain against France and its allies. Seeking to cripple Spanish colonial holdings, a vital source of wealth and influence for their rivals, the British set their sights on Manila, the jewel of the Spanish East Indies.

Secondly, the weakening grip of Spanish authority in the Philippines played into British hands. Decades of mismanagement, rampant corruption, and neglect had eroded popular support for the Spanish crown. The local population, already burdened by heavy taxes and oppressive policies, saw the arrival of the British as a potential opportunity to break free from Spanish tyranny.

The invasion itself was a meticulously planned operation. A formidable British fleet, led by Admiral Cornish, arrived at Manila Bay in September 1762, effectively blockading the city. Land forces under the command of Brigadier General William Draper then launched an assault, quickly overwhelming the ill-prepared Spanish defenders. By October 6th, 1762, the British flag flew over Intramuros, marking a decisive victory for the invaders.

However, the British conquest was far from secure. While they controlled Manila, their dominion extended only to a limited portion of the archipelago. The vast majority of the Philippines remained firmly in the hands of Filipino rebels who fiercely resisted British attempts at expansion.

Region	Status During the Invasion	Leader(s)
Luzon	Partially Controlled by the British	Brigadier General William Draper
Visayas	Largely Independent, Rebellions against Spanish and British rule	Datu Sikatuna (Bohole), Francisco Dagohoy (Bohol)
Mindanao	Autonomous Muslim Sultanates Resistant to Both Spain and Britain	Sultan Kudarat (Maguindanao), Sultan Maniro (Buayan)

The Filipino resistance took various forms. Some groups engaged in guerilla warfare, launching surprise attacks against isolated British outposts. Others formed alliances with Spanish loyalists who saw the British as a greater threat than their own colonial rulers.

This widespread opposition significantly hampered the British effort to consolidate their hold over the Philippines. Faced with logistical challenges and relentless resistance, the British ultimately realized that conquering and administering the entire archipelago would be a costly and protracted endeavor.

The Treaty of Paris, signed in February 1763, officially ended the Seven Years’ War and marked the beginning of the end for the British presence in Manila. Under its terms, Spain ceded Florida to Great Britain but regained control of the Philippines. The British withdrawal from Manila commenced in April 1764, marking a resounding victory for Filipino resistance and reaffirming Spanish dominance in the region.

Although short-lived, the British invasion had lasting consequences for both the Philippines and the wider colonial world. It exposed the vulnerabilities of the Spanish colonial system and paved the way for future challenges to their authority. For Filipinos, it served as a powerful reminder of their collective strength and capacity to resist foreign domination, igniting a spirit of national consciousness that would ultimately contribute to the Philippine Revolution in the late 19th century.