Scholars spotlight Hispanic role in American Revolution
As the U.S. marks 250 years of independence, historians say Spanish colonial soldiers and financial support played a decisive role in defeating the British.
By Rich Tenorio
In 1780, Bernardo de Galvez, the Spanish colonial general of Louisiana, led an attack on the British in present-day Mobile, Ala. Galvez’s forces were diverse – including white, Black and indigenous soldiers from the Spanish colonies. Together they defeated the British, perhaps diverting the redcoats from sending reinforcements against the rebellious American colonists. It’s a little-known story of Hispanic and Latino contributions to the American Revolution.