Cartagena 1741

Overview

The Battle of Cartagena de Indias occurred during the War of Jenkins’ Ear (1739-1748) between Spain and Britain. Sparked by long-standing commercial tensions, the war was primarily fought in the Caribbean, with the British aiming to capture key Spanish ports such as Porto Bello, Chagres in Panama, Havana, and Cartagena de Indias in present-day Colombia. After two failed naval attacks in 1740, the British launched a combined naval and land assault in March 1741. Despite their efforts, the British were forced to retreat after a series of unsuccessful assaults, suffering over 9,500–11,500 fatalities, largely due to disease, and significant material losses. Some units experienced death rates of 80 to 90 percent. This Spanish victory showcased their defensive capabilities and effectively ended military operations in the region. Both nations then shifted their focus to the broader European War of the Austrian Succession, with hostilities concluding in the 1748 Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle. In this two-player game, one player controls the Spanish forces while the other commands the British. The British player must navigate through the bay of Cartagena de Indias to conquer the Spanish, while the Spanish player must defend the city to achieve victory.