Page "History of Cuba" Paragraph 25

Though Havana, which had become the third-largest city in the Americas, was to enter an era of sustained development and closening ties with North America during this period, the British occupation of the city proved short-lived.

Pressure from London sugar merchants fearing a decline in sugar prices forced a series of negotiations with the Spanish over colonial territories.

Less than a year after Havana was seized, the Peace of Paris was signed by the three warring powers, ending the Seven Years ' War.

The treaty gave Britain Florida in exchange for Cuba on the recommendation of the French, who advised that declining the offer could result in Spain losing Mexico and much of the South American mainland to the British.

This led to disappointment in Britain, as many believed that Florida was a poor return for Cuba and Britain's other gains in the war.