France secretly transferred the Louisiana territory to Spain in 1762, reshaping colonial control of North America before the Seven Years' War concluded.
Key Facts
- Date signed
- November 3, 1762
- Spanish ratification
- November 13, 1762
- French ratification
- November 23, 1762
- Territory ceded
- Louisiana and New Orleans
- Nature of treaty
- Secret agreement
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
France's position in North America collapsed following the Battle of Signal Hill in September 1762, which confirmed British dominance over Canada. Facing the loss of New France and continuing warfare in Europe during the Seven Years' War, King Louis XV sought to prevent Louisiana from falling into British hands by offering it to his Spanish ally.
On November 3, 1762, France and Spain signed the secret Treaty of Fontainebleau at the palace of Fontainebleau. Under its terms, King Louis XV ceded to King Charles III the territory of Louisiana along with New Orleans and the island on which that city stood, transferring a vast colonial holding from French to Spanish sovereignty.
Charles III ratified the treaty on November 13, 1762, and Louis XV followed ten days later, completing the transfer. Spain thereby gained control of the Louisiana territory west of the Mississippi, fundamentally altering the balance of colonial power in North America and keeping the region out of British possession.
Political Outcome
France ceded Louisiana and New Orleans to Spain; treaty ratified by both crowns by late November 1762.
Louisiana under French colonial sovereignty
Louisiana under Spanish colonial sovereignty