The skirmish at Bloody Marsh was more than a battle; it was a clash of cultures, with each side vying for control of what is now the southeastern United States. Soldiers from Hispanic colonies in the New World fought under the Spanish banner, aided by Indians and emancipated blacks from Florida. Opposing them were British defenders that included English and Scottish immigrants and friendly Southeastern Indians. The British coalition fought effectively and defeated the invading Spanish army on St. Simons Island.