The role of Spain in the birth of the United States is a little known and little understood aspect of US 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.

About the Author
Thomas E Chavez received a PhD in history from the University of New Mexico. In April 2002, Chavez was appointed the Director of the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was the Director of the Palace of the Governors of the Museum of New Mexico in Santa Fe from 1982 to 2002. He is the author of several books on the Southwest, including 'Illustrated History of New Mexico', 'Manuel Alvarez, 1794-1856: A Southwestern Biography', and 'Quest for Quivera: Spanish Exploration in the Plains'.


Book Information
ISBN 9780826327949
Author T.E. Chavez
Format Paperback
Page Count 286
Imprint University of New Mexico Press
Publisher University of New Mexico Press