Family Compact of 1761

during the Seven Years’ War of 1756–63, a treaty between the French and Spanish Bourbons (including the Parma and Naples branches of the latter) providing for mutual support in the event that one side or the other should be attacked. The Family Compact, which was signed on August 15, was directed against Great Britain. Under a secret agreement concluded at the same time, France transferred to Spain the island of Menorca, which had been seized from the English, and Spain pledged to declare war on Great Britain if the latter failed to conclude a peace with France before May 1, 1762. As a result of the Family Compact, Great Britain declared war on Spain on Aug. 4, 1762. The compact remained in effect until 1789.