Canary Islands La Gomera taking 1000 captives to be sold as slaves. Another noteworthy attack occurred in 1797, when Santa Cruz de Tenerife was attacked by a British fleet under Horatio Nelson on 25 July. The British were repulsed, losing almost 400 men. It was during this battle that Nelson lost his right arm. The sugar-based economy of the islands faced stiff competition from Spain's American colonies. Low prices in the sugar market in the 19th century caused severe recessions on the islands. A new cash crop, cochineal ("cochinilla"), came into cultivation during this time, saving the islands' economy. During this time
Walls of Tabarca Walls of Tabarca The Wall of Tabarca is a defensive wall built in the 18th century. It is located in the town of Tabarca, Alicante. It was designed by Fernando Méndez de Ras, a military engineer who also planned the rest of the building on the island. The wall has three gates, all of them baroque. The shape of the wall is adapted to the island coastline. It is built in stone, with the outside covered in ashlar. Since the 1980s, there have been some reconstructions and rehabilitations. The wall also has three gates: San Rafael or Eastern Gate, La