The British invasion of Buenos Aires in 1806 arose from the broader context of the Napoleonic Wars, which destabilized European powers and created opportunities for colonial expansion. Led by Brigadier General John Beresford, British naval forces set sail to South America, targeting the strategic port city of Buenos Aires as a means to establish control over the vital River Plate region. The British expeditionary force comprised several ships and an estimated 12,000 troops, who landed just outside the city. Given the city’s insufficient military readiness, the Spanish forces significantly underestimated the threat posed by the British. They managed to gain control over key access points within a short period during the initial assault.After the capture, Beresford’s forces established British authority, with immediate efforts to maintain order and secure the territories. The local populace was initially confused and somewhat divided in sentiments toward the new rulers, as the British presence symbolized both opportunity and foreign domination. Although the occupation of Buenos Aires was relatively brief, lasting until the subsequent counter-invasion by Spanish royalists in 1807, it laid the groundwork for later interactions and conflicts in the region. This capture demonstrated the strategic value of Buenos Aires and highlighted the shifts in power dynamics prompted by global colonial rivalries.