Bernardo de Gálvez
His Influence on the Outcome of the American Revolution

The United States owes a great debt to Spain and the heroic efforts of Bernardo de Gálvez. Although motivated by the desire to protect the interests of Spain, his actions forced Britain to fight two enemies on multiple fronts. By dividing the resources of the British he helped weakened the defenses of the greatest army on earth, making them vulnerable to defeat. When he was appointed Governor of Louisiana he had already proved himself a strong leader and talented strategist. Through secret deals with the colonists Gálvez showed support of the Americans while officially remaining neutral. His actions ultimately benefitted the Americans but his motives were less than altruistic. Not only was Spain determined to prevent expansion of the British down the Mississippi, it also wanted West and East Florida. With Gálvez’ help the colonists might defeat Britain then Spain would easily defeat the Americans and regain its territories. In either case, he could at least prolong the war and thus weaken both entities. When it seemed the colonial strategies eyed Pensacola, Gálvez was determined to get there first.
The Seven Years’ War resulted in a shift in the balance of power in America. France lost all its possessions. Great Britain now …show more content…
They arrived on the 7th with about a third of the men sick. They were expecting to fight four hundred English but found the fort manned by a skeleton crew of about twenty men, the rest having been moved out to Baton Rouge. Although it was a disappointing victory, Gálvez’ men had performed well in their first battle and all were heartened by their success. After an inventory of the fort was taken, prisoners dealt with and the troops rested and well again, Gálvez pushed on to Baton Rouge, an easy fifteen mile