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

The book is published by University of New Mexico Press.

"Chavez's book will become the launching point for most future research about his subject. . . it is a worthy contribution to the field." (Journal of American History)

"The sweep of this book and the depth of secondary and archival research on which it rests are impressive. Chavez succeeds in his goal of placing the North American aspects of the war into their full Atlantic-Caribbean context." (The Journal of Military History)

"The text is beautifully composed and highly exciting as a wide cast of fascinating historic figures spans the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe, and even North Africa in a high-stakes game that resulted in events that literally changed the face of the world. This is one of the most engaging and compelling historical works to come along in many years." (New York Resident)

"Chavez's excellent book adds a new dimension to the history of the American Revolution, one that gives Spain long overdue credit for its manifold contributions to American independece." (Southwestern Historical Quarterly)