AmRev360

AmRev360: Spain’s Role in the American Revolution with Gonzalo M. Quintero Saravia

November 17, 2021

What role did Spain play in the winning of American Independence? In this episode of AmRev360, Dr. R. Scott Stephenson is joined by author, historian, and diplomat Dr. Gonzalo M. Quintero Saravia, Deputy Head of Mission in Lima, Peru, for a discussion about the intertwined histories of the United States and Spain, based on Quintero Saravia’s extensively researched book, Bernardo de Gálvez: Spanish Hero of the American Revolution.

Gálvez (1746–86), the governor of Spanish Louisiana, played a prominent role in Spain’s involvement in the Revolutionary War, an important part of the Revolutionary story that is often overlooked. Who was Gálvez and why was his role — and that of Spain — so pivotal to the global conflict that was America’s War for Independence?

Quintero Saravia is the author of several books on 18th-century Spanish American history and a former Fellow at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University. He previously served as Ambassador of Spain to Pakistan.

AmRev360, hosted by Museum President & CEO Dr. R. Scott Stephenson, features lively conversations on the American Revolution from all angles between Stephenson and a broad slate of dynamic guests, including authors, actors, community leaders, and more.

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The cover of Bernardo De Galvez Spanish Hero of the American Revolution by Gonzalo Saravia depicts a black background and white lines that illustrate a horse standing on the ground. His front legs are in the air and Bernardo sits on top of him. Bernardo’s outfit is also depicted in white lines, while his hands and face are colored. He looks at the viewer and is wearing a black hat with a white brim.

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Bernardo de Gálvez

Read an excerpt from Gonzalo M. Quintero Saravia's book, Bernardo de Gálvez: Spanish Hero of the American Revolution.

The Sortie Made by the Garrison of Gibraltar by John Trumbull

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Revolution Around the World

Spain and the American Revolution

Examine the role Spain played in the American Revolution, who Spain's major players were, and additional resources to continue learning more.

AmRev360

Watch lively conversations on the American Revolution from all angles, hosted by Museum President & CEO Dr. R. Scott Stephenson and featuring a broad slate of dynamic guests, on our AmRev360 web series.