Spain and the Independence of the United States: An Intrinsic Gift - by Thomas E Chávez (Paperback)

About the Book

A thorough study of how Spain contributed to the Revolutionary War in America.

Book Synopsis

The role of Spain in the birth of the United States is a little known and little understood aspect of U.S. independence. Through actual fighting, provision of supplies, and money, Spain helped the young British colonies succeed in becoming an independent nation. Soldiers were recruited from all over the Spanish empire, from Spain itself and from throughout Spanish America. Many died fighting British soldiers and their allies in Central America, the Caribbean, along the Mississippi River from New Orleans to St. Louis and as far north as Michigan, along the Gulf Coast to Mobile and Pensacola, as well as in Europe.

Based on primary research in the archives of Spain, this book is about United States history at its very inception, placing the war in its broadest international context. In short, the information in this book should provide a clearer understanding of the independence of the United States, correct a longstanding omission in its history, and enrich its patrimony. It will appeal to anyone interested in the history of the Revolutionary War and in Spain's role in the development of the Americas.

Review Quotes

"Based on archival materials in Spain and the US as well as printed primary and numerous secondary resources, this volume deserves reading by historians of late-18th-century Spain, Spanish America, and the American Revolution."

"Chavez ably shows that America owes its independece to liberal applications of Spanish silver and the lives of Spanish subjects. It is a neglected aspect of our history and Tom Chavez challenges us to look beyond our New Mexico-centric thinking and appreciate the important role Spain played in shaping world history."

"Chavez's book will become the launching point for most future research about his subject. . . it is a worthy contribution to the field."

"Our United States of America has been waiting a long time for someone to write a full-fledged, fully documented book on Spain's role in the American Revolution that is based on original documents in Spanish archives and published in English! . . . Chavez's excellent book adds a new dimension to the history of the American Revolution, one that gives Spain long overdue credit for its manifold contributions to American independece."

"The amount and scope of Spain's participation in our Revolution --treasure, troops, ships, and strategy, all described in detail by the author --will suprise most who read this book."

"The text is beautifully composed and highly exciting as a wide cast of fascinating historic figures spans the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe, and even North Africa in a high-stakes game that resulted in events that literally changed the face of the world. This is one of the most engaging and compelling historical works to come along in many years."

"There may be similar coverage of this subject somewhere out there, but until you find it, Tom Chavez's extensively researched work will do nicely."