Gibraltar & Spain . How come that Gibraltar is a part of U.K ?

Question

What Spanish people say about that ?

Answer 1

How Gibraltar became a British colony is an interesting story. Its position on the north side of the Straits of Gibraltar made it an attractive base for any naval power wishing to control the entry point to the Mediterranean Sea. During the Spanish War of Succession (on 4 August 1704) British forces landed at Gibraltar and took control of the territory. Britain's aims were clearly stated at the time; establish a naval base that would give the British control of the Mediterranean Sea.

The Spanish view on the status of Gibraltar is that it was simply 'stolen' from them at a time when their country was weak, and as a result of a war which didn't see Spain fighting anyone, but rather Spain being the 'prize' that others fought over, following the death of the childless King of Spain, Charles II. This requires that we take a small diversion to understand what the Spanish War of Succession (1702-1713) was about.

After Charles II died, the French wanted to install a relative of their own King on the empty Spanish throne, while the Austrians (backed up by the British and Dutch) wanted to install a relative of the Austro-Hungarian Emperor. The expectation at the time was that Spain would 'merge' with whichever country managed to have their candidate installed. The British and Dutch didn't see the Austro-Hungarians as being 'more entitled' than the French Royal family to take over control, it was just that from their point of view (as naval powers) a combined Spain-Austria was less of a threat than a combined Spain-France.

In the eventual result of that war, France managed to install it's candidate but only on the basis (a condition imposed by the 'victors' of that war) that the French and Spanish Royal families could never 'combine' the two countries into 'one'. Gibraltar was meant to be jointly managed by the British, Dutch and Austrians, as a sort of 'guardhouse' at the entrance of the Mediterranean to make sure that the Spanish and French navies 'kept apart'. The Austrians and Dutch found eventually found themselves 'levered' out by the British who had effective sole control by 1713.

The 'average' Spaniard saw the whole affair as (a) some foreigner being handed the throne of Spain, and (b) a traditional enemy of Spain taking advantage of the turmoil to carve off a bit of Spanish territory. They were so offended that they really only accepted the existence of Gibraltar in 1985, and had tried many times in the previous 250 years to take it by force. Even now, the Spanish would say that it was rightfully part of Spain.

From the British perspective Gibraltar was a factor in their success against the French navy a hundred years later, and a key factor in their ability to maintain their presence in Malta and North Africa two hundred years later in World War II. How - and why - Gibraltar 'survived' as a British outpost in World War II is a story in itself, but in part it gets down to the fact that Franco loathed Hitler more than the British, and wouldn't risk Spain becoming another 'pawn' of Germany simply in order to get German co-operation in 'taking' Gibraltar.

It must be said that since the War the British haven't been always enthusiastic about keeping Gibraltar. The prospect of continuing to antagonize the Spanish, and the cost of maintaining the colony have led them into talks with the Spanish on several occasions, to the almost universal opposition of the occupants of the territory itself.

Answer 2

The Spanish don't like it too much but tough luck, Gibraltar is a colony of the UK, not part of the UK it's self.

Answer 3

a pair hundred years in the past, Gibraltar replaced into key to controlling the Mediterranean Sea. Whoever held Gibraltar could desire to rather administration the full section with their fleet. Britain captured Gibraltar in a conflict with Spain on the initiating of the 18th century, and Spain rather, rather needed it back. i think they nevertheless decide for it back for nationalistic motives.

Answer 4

Gibraltar is a UK oversea territory. It IS NOT part of the United Kingdom - which term refers only to the two countries of England and Scotland (with the Principality of Wales).

Answer 5

It was ceded by Spain in perpetuity in 1713. In a 2002 referendum, 88% of Gibraltarians voted on the question "Do you approve of the principle that Britain and Spain should share sovereignty over Gibraltar?". 99% voted "No".