The tactical engagement off Havana involved a British naval squadron commanded by Captain Charles Knowles, who was tasked with disrupting Spanish shipping and maintaining British interests in the Caribbean during the War of Jenkins' Ear. This conflict, rooted in trade disputes and colonial hostilities, saw British and Spanish forces clashing repeatedly as they vied for dominance in the fertile regions of the Americas.

In this particular encounter, the British were able to leverage their naval prowess, employing superior tactics and ship design to gain the upper hand against the Spanish squadron. Although the details of the battle itself are less documented than other naval confrontations of the era, it nonetheless served as a significant turning point, illustrating the effectiveness of British naval power in the region.

Following this engagement, British naval activity in the Caribbean intensified, leading to increased conflicts with Spanish forces and ultimately affecting trade patterns in the New World. The rivalry between the two powers would continue to escalate, underscoring the volatile nature of colonial politics and maritime warfare of the time.