When most people think about America’s allies during the Revolutionary War, one country immediately comes to mind: France. However, what if another nation played a critical role in helping the colonies achieve independence, yet rarely appears in traditional accounts of the Revolution?
That question was at the heart of a recent Town Hall Talk on Wednesday, July 22nd, where author and Smithsonian Scholar Martha Gutierrez-Steinkamp explored the fascinating history behind her book, Spain: The Forgotten Alliance—Independence of the United States. Presented as part of the Boca Raton Historical Society’s America 250 programming, the lecture offered a fresh perspective on the American Revolution and revealed how Spain helped shape the nation’s path to independence.
More Than a Colonial Rebellion
The American Revolution is often presented as a struggle between the thirteen colonies and Great Britain. In reality, it became part of a much larger international conflict. For Spain, Britain was a longtime imperial rival. Supporting efforts that weakened British power served Spanish interests, even though Spain never became a formal ally of the United States. As Gutierrez-Steinkamp explained, Spain’s assistance came through financial support, international trade networks, military campaigns, and diplomatic relationships that stretched across the Atlantic world. As a result, Britain found itself fighting on several fronts. The conflict became far more complicated than a struggle between the colonies and the Crown, forcing Britain to divide its soldiers, ships, money, and attention across a vast geographic area.
A Merchant Who Helped Fuel a Revolution
One of the most intriguing figures Gutierrez-Steinkamp discussed during the lecture was Diego de Gardoqui, a Spanish merchant whose family business maintained strong trading connections with North America. Through these networks, Spain helped deliver money, weapons, gunpowder, clothing, and other essential supplies to the American cause. Although famous battles often dominate Revolutionary War stories, Gutierrez-Steinkamp reminded the audience that armies cannot fight without reliable funding, equipment, and supply lines. In many ways, Gardoqui helped provide a lifeline that kept the revolutionary effort moving forward.
A Bigger, More Complete Story
One of the most powerful takeaways from Gutierrez-Steinkamp’s presentation was that the American Revolution was never solely an American story. It involved merchants, diplomats, soldiers, sailors, monarchs, and governments operating across continents. Understanding Spain’s role allows us to view the Revolution not as an isolated colonial uprising, but as part of a complex global struggle involving competing empires and international interests.
History is often shaped by contributions that gradually fade from public memory. By restoring Spain to the Revolutionary narrative, Gutierrez-Steinkamp encourages us to look beyond familiar stories and recognize the many individuals, communities, and nations that influenced America’s founding. In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, revisiting these overlooked stories offers a richer and more complete understanding of the past. Spain may have become America’s forgotten ally, but its financial, diplomatic, and military contributions helped make independence possible.
Post written by Jake McNeil
