The Islands were uninhabited when discovered by Europeans. France established a colony on the islands in 1764. In 1765, a British captain claimed the islands for Britain. In early 1770 a Spanish commander arrived from Buenos Aires with five ships and 2,400 soldiers forcing the British to leave Port Egmont. https://www.metooo.com/u/676196e1b4f59c1178c5b8a1