The American Revolution and Spanish America, 1776–1814

For historians of the Hispanic world, the American Revolution raises several important issues. Seen from the perspective of Spanish history, the main questions relate to Spain’s history as an international power. They focus on why Spain became involved in the Thirteen Colonies’ war against Britain; how it intervened and to what effect; and, finally, how participation in the war of American affected Spain’s strategic position as a colonial power, particularly in the North American continent. ¹ Another related but distinct issue, on which I focus here, concerns the repercussions of the American Revolution on Spain’s relations with its own American possessions after 1776. ²