Spain’s role in the independence of the United States was decisive, although little recognized, and marked the victory of the Thirteen Colonies against the British Empire. Spain contributed large amounts of money, but not only that, but also weapons, ammunition, blankets and even uniforms for a disorganized North American army. The intervention of the Spanish Bernardo de Gálvez was key, as the journalist and writer Paco Reyero remembers. “In the words of President George Washington, Spain’s help is decisive in ending up winning the war,” he explains.
The role of the Thirteen Colonies against the British Empire
Bernardo de Gálvez was a soldier and politician from Malaga who, in his role as governor of Louisiana in 1777, provided vital aid to George Washington’s troops across the Mississippi River. In addition, he led a successful offensive expelling the English from the Gulf of Mexico and, without his help, the independence of the United States would have failed. “He was intelligent, cunning and began to develop hidden help before the Declaration of Independence became official,” says Reyero.
Bernardo de Gálvez is at the level of Mother Teresa of Calcula or Winston Churchill
The figure of Bernardo de Gálvez was finally recognized in 2014 by the United States Congress, led by Barack Obama, as an “Honorary Citizen of the States.” And his portrait was hung in the Senate, thus fulfilling a promise from 1783. “There are not many honorary citizens, there are only eight and Gálvez is at the level of Churchill, Teresa de Calcula or Lafayette,” he points out.
Spain not only sent weapons and gunpowder, but ended up declaring war on Great Britain, intervening militarily in America and Europe, such as the siege of Gibraltar. Under the reign of Charles III, our country saw a window of opportunity to weaken its great rival, Great Britain, and – after the Seven Years’ War – recover Florida and Menorca.
