Every Fourth of July, Americans celebrate their independence with fireworks, barbecues, and a lot of national pride. Meanwhile, in Spain... not a single glass of manzanilla in honor of the cause. Why? Because no one has told us that Spain played a key role—key, not anecdotal—in the independence of the United States..
Yes, yes. You read that right. Historic breaking news: Spain helped the U.S. win its War of Independence… and it did so with weapons, money, ships, and even epic battles.
And yet, in Hollywood movies, not a single mention of them. Nothing. Just handsome Frenchmen and colonists with sweaty wigs.
But don't worry. Today, at HL Comedy Tours, we bring you The story that no one told you at school (or on Netflix): that of how Spain helped kick British ass... and didn't even get a statuette in the closing credits.
What was Spain's role in American independence?
The first thing to say: Spain was not exactly a fan of revolutions.
He had an empire to protect and colonies to maintain. But... oh, the British! We had them in our sights.
So when the American colonies decided to rebel against His Majesty, Spain saw a golden opportunity: weaken Great Britain without getting fully involved in the revolutionary party. Or so we thought…
Result: we ended up up to our necks in the war.
Spain provided the money, gunpowder and cannonballs
Military and logistical support:
While George Washington was racking his brains trying to figure out how to pay for uniforms and rifles, Spain entered “AliExpress Prime independence” mode:
- Weapons, ammunition, uniforms, blankets, food… everything free (or almost).
- He sent aid from Cuba, New Orleans and Havana.
- And even a secret fleet crossed the Atlantic with what was necessary for the settlers to continue shooting.
Financial support:
Spain lent millions of reales in eights (yes, those pirate coins), without which the war would have ended… badly and soon.
That is to say, Spain was the “official sponsor” of American independence. No interest charges. No need to ask for our logo on the flag.
Spain didn't just help: it fought!
Yes, yes. Spanish soldiers confronted the British directly. But not in Boston or Philadelphia, but in the south of the map.
The forgotten hero: Bernardo de Gálvez
A name that should sound as good as George Washington… but doesn't even appear on cookies.
- Governor of Louisiana and brilliant strategist.
- He conquered British strongholds such as Baton Rouge, Mobile and the jewel in the crown: Pensacola, in West Florida.
- He made the English have to fight in several fronts at once, weakening their position in the rebel colonies.
He did so much for the US that in the United States Congress there is a portrait of him hanging since 2014. Let's see how many Spaniards can say that!
And in addition, Spain blocked the ports
The Spanish Navy cut off the naval tap to the British:
- Maritime blockades.
- Supply interruption.
- Surprise attacks.
All this forced the English to divide their fleet and protect many more areas, leaving the rebel colonies less guarded… and more ready to shout “Freedom!”
And what did Spain gain from all this?
Shappy spoiler: We recover lost territories
- West Florida returned to Spanish hands.
- We also recovered Minorca.
- And we saw how the greatest imperial enemy was left touched and sunk.
However, international recognition was conspicuous by its absence.
So… why doesn’t anyone tell it?
Good question. Some possible theories:
- Because Spain did not support ideologically independence (only tactically).
- Because we don't send troops to Lexington or Concord.
- Because Hollywood prefers three-cornered hats to tricorn hats with feathers.
- Or because, simply, No one has told it properly. Until now.
Why is it important to remember this today?
Because History is full of intertwined stories, of unexpected allies and brave gestures that change the course of events.
And because, let's be honest: A story where Spain wins a war and helps found a country… deserves more headlines.
So you know: the next time you see fireworks on the 4th of July, toasts with Iberian pride. Because even though they have the “American Dream,” We had Bernardo de Gálvez and a fleet with bad temper.
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