Florida, La - by Antonio Fernandez Torano (Paperback)

About the Book

This is the chronicle of a territory marked by adversity and the fight for survival. From its "discovery" by Ponce de León in 1513 until its delivery to England in 1763, it witnessed a battle to remain under the rule of the Spanish Crown. Initially conceived as a promise of riches and opportunity, it soon reveals itself to be a formidable challenge to the Spanish colonists. The lack of economic resources, exacerbated by the remoteness and hostility of the environment, turned life into a constant struggle against scarcity and adversity. As the years passed, the Spanish settlers were faced with a number of additional challenges. The disappearance of the Franciscan missions, systematically attacked by English settlers and native tribes, hampered any attempt to establish a peaceful and lasting relationship with the original inhabitants of the region. Furthermore, British expansionist policy constantly threatened Florida's borders, challenging Spanish sovereignty and endangering the stability of the region. Despite these obstacles, the Spanish demonstrated a remarkable capacity for resistance and adaptation. With intelligence and sacrifice, they defended their home against all adversities, preserving the province for the Spanish Crown for almost two centuries. His legacy endures in the history of both continents, as a testimony of courage and determination in the midst of adversity. This is the story of those who defied the odds and kept alive the flame of Spanish rule in Florida, a land of sacrifice and perseverance that left an indelible mark on American history.

About the Author

Antonio Fernández Toraño (Madrid, 1946) es licenciado en Filosofía y Letras y Derecho por la Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Funcionario de los Cuerpos Superiores de la Inspección de Seguros del Estado, y Financiero y Tributario, desempeñó el cargo de director general de Seguros en el Ministerio de Economía Hacienda entre 1995 y 1996. Ha sido presidente de Agroseguro S.A. desde 1997 hasta su jubilación, en 2011. Su interés por todo lo relacionado con la presencia española en los territorios descubiertos y colonizados por los españoles a lo largo del siglo XVI se plasmó ya en 2013 al participar como autor, conjuntamente con Borja Cardelús, en la elaboración del libro La Florida Española. También ha publicado Pedro Menéndez de Avilés: Señor del Mar Océano, adelantado de La Florida.