Spanish Observers and the American Revolution, 1775-83

A traditional rival of Great Britain, Spain welcomed the American Revolution as an opportunity to weaken the power and prestige of the British Empire.

Using research from Spanish archival sources, this study attempts to bring a new perspective to Spanish involvement in the British colonies during the period.

It traces the mobilization by the Captain General of Cuba and his military subordinate, the Governor of Louisiana, of a loose network of observers who monitored the course of the revolt.

The observers, positioned throughout the colonies and at other vantage points in the Americas, provided information to the Spanish government about the nature of the rebellion and its participants.

Such reports directly influenced Spanish policy toward Britain and its American colonies.

This book offers a perspective on the epoch of the American Revolution and on foreign relations during that period.

By documenting the activities of Spanish observers in North America, it brings out the significant role Spain and its colonies played in the outcome of the conflict.