The First Battle of Cape Finisterre was a critical naval engagement within the broader context of the War of the Austrian Succession, which pitted major European powers against each other from 1740 to 1748. British Admiral George Anson, tasked with disrupting French shipping and establishing superiority at sea, commanded a fleet of warships that encountered a French squadron off the coast of Spain. The confrontation at Cape Finisterre was notable for employing tactics that highlighted naval maneuverability and gunnery skills that had been steadily developed in the years prior, reflecting the changing face of naval warfare during the 18th century.

Anson’s fleet, comprised of several ships-of-the-line, pursued the French vessels under the command of Admiral de la Jonquière. The battle quickly escalated as Anson's forces engaged in a protracted cannonade, managing to inflict significant damage despite unfavorable weather conditions. The British fleet's superior training and discipline played a crucial role as they executed maneuvers designed to break through the French line and exploit weaknesses.

The outcome of the battle was a testament to Anson's leadership and the effectiveness of the British Navy during this time. Although the French managed to flee the scene, the encounter inflicted considerable damage on their fleet and helped to confirm Britain’s dominance at sea during this period. The First Battle of Cape Finisterre, along with subsequent confrontations, ultimately laid the groundwork for future naval engagements and established Britain as a formidable maritime power into the latter half of the century.