Tensions between the French and Spanish forces in Florida escalated during the late 1560s due to competing colonial interests. Fort Caroline, established by the French Huguenots, was a critical outpost for French efforts to expand their influence in the New World. The Spanish, led by experienced military leaders, sought to reclaim territories and assert dominance over the region. Following a brutal onslaught by Spanish troops on Fort Caroline, the French sought revenge against the Spanish presence in their territory.

On May 3, a French force, spurred by the violent actions taken against their compatriots, targeted the San Mateo fort. The attackers, estimating hundreds in number, marched with determination, setting the Spanish fort ablaze. The ensuing chaos led to the slaughter of hundreds of Spaniards, reflecting the brutal nature of colonial warfare in North America. This violent encounter epitomized the desperate struggle for power and territory, with both French and Spanish forces committing acts of aggression in pursuit of their colonial ambitions.

The French were hoping to assert their dominance and retaliate for the losses sustained at Fort Caroline. However, the attack on San Mateo not only marked a significant escalation in violence but also set a precedent for future conflicts in the region. The actions taken by the French forces demonstrated their resolve and ability to conduct large-scale military actions against established Spanish forts. This hostile act had ramifications that influenced both French and Spanish colonial strategies moving forward, leading to further military engagements and territorial disputes throughout Florida.