The Battle of San Domingo unfolded as a significant naval engagement between British and French naval forces during the Napoleonic Wars, highlighting the fierce competition for control over the Caribbean. In early 1806, the British Royal Navy sought to secure its interests in the region against the backdrop of the ongoing war with France. The British fleet, commanded by Rear Admiral Sir John Duckworth, located a French squadron near San Domingo, led by Admiral Jean-Baptiste-François Bompart. The British set sail with a force comprising numerous ships, aiming to incapacitate the French and seize the strategic advantage of the Caribbean waters.

On February 6, the two fleets engaged in a tense confrontation that would ultimately showcase British naval superiority. The battle was characterized by skilful maneuvers, strategic positioning, and heavy cannon fire. The British fleet's seamanship and tactical execution led to a decisive victory, with substantial damage inflicted on the French ships. The outcome of the battle effectively weakened French naval capabilities in the Caribbean and hindered their ability to transport troops and supplies across the sea, shifting the momentum in favor of the British.

The implications of the Battle of San Domingo extended beyond the immediate tactical successes. It bolstered British control over the Caribbean and represented a crucial moment in the larger context of the Napoleonic Wars. The loss prompted the French to reassess their naval strategy in the region, ultimately solidifying British dominance and foreshadowing further conflicts in the Caribbean. This victory was celebrated in Britain, serving as a morale booster and reinforcing the Royal Navy's reputation as a formidable force during this turbulent period in European history.