The British capture of Manila occurred during the broader context of the Seven Years' War, a global conflict between major powers, including Great Britain, France, Spain, and others. The war was characterized by territorial battles not just in Europe but across various continents, including North America, the Caribbean, West Africa, the Philippines, and India. In the Philippines, British ambitions were primarily focused on undermining Spanish colonial authority and expanding their own trade interests in Asia. Under the command of Brigadier General William Draper, British troops launched their attack on Manila in September of 1762. The siege involved intense naval and ground operations and proved crucial as the British faced off against Spanish defenses. The successful forcing of surrender by the Spanish defenders on October 6, 1762, was a strategic victory for the British. Following the capture, they occupied the city for two years, establishing a brief period of British rule in the Philippines.

During this occupation, the British aimed to control Manila's economy, particularly its trade with China and other parts of Asia, which had been dominated by Spanish merchants. The British administration took measures to assert control, implementing various political and economic strategies that would influence regional trade dynamics. Despite the British capturing Manila, the Treaty of Paris in 1763 ended the Seven Years' War, leading to the eventual return of Manila to Spanish control. Nevertheless, the British control of the city showcased their growing influence in Southeast Asia and their capacity for projecting power across the Pacific.