Little is spoken in the school of the Spanish participation in the American revolutionsince for many it has no relevance within the historical stories. However, one of the most relevant episodes of that contest had as its protagonist a Malaga military.
His direct involvement in the confrontations with the British It was crucial for the outcome of the war. Today, standing before many centuries, a decision made in the United States revives interest in its figure through a moving tribute.
Who was the key to Malaga in the independence of the US?
The protagonist of this occasion is Bernardo de Gálvezwhose story begins in Macharaviayaa small town in the province of Malaga. Born in 1746he was soon marked by his family’s military tradition.
With only 16 years, He began his military career in the context of the seven -year warparticipating in the invasion of Portugal as a member of the Royal-Cantabres Regiment, of French origin. This experience allowed him to acquire fundamental knowledge and master the French, Skill that would later be useful in America.
After a brief passage through Europe, He moved to America in 1764. His destiny was the northern border of New Spain Viceroyaltywhere he fought the apaches in campaigns of remarkable hardness. Despite wounds suffered and indigenous resistancehe quickly ascended, thanks in part to the support of his influential Uncle, José de Gálvez, Minister of Indies.
In this way, he accumulated experience in the field and became Commander of Arms in key provinces as Sonora and New Biscay.
What was the role of Bernardo de Gálvez in the independence of the US?
The determining turn in his career came when He was appointed governor of the Western Louisiana in 1777. At that time, The United States struggled to free himself from British controland although Spain still did not participate openly in the war, Gálvez began to collaborate discreetly with the rebels.
The intelligence network that inherited from its predecessor and brother -in -law, Luis de Unzaga, It was key to keeping the Spanish government informed about British movements and prepare an eventual conflict.
The formal declaration of War of Spain against Great Britain occurred in 1779. Since then, Gálvez He led military operations against the British in the south of the current US territory. Its strategy was to weaken the British positions on the margins of the Mississippi River, taking advantage of the low defense of the colonies in that region.
Among their main achievements stand out:
- The taking of Baton Rouge, Natchez and the mouth of Bayou Manchac.
- The victory in Mobile, in the current state of Alabama, in 1780.
- The final and successful assault of Pensacola in 1781, considered its most significant confrontation.
These campaigns forced the British army to divide their efforts, which decreased pressure on the thirteen colonies. The consequences of their actions were reflected in the evolution of the conflict and contributed to the international recognition of the new country.
How was this Malaga military in the United States honored?
Gálvez’s contribution was not immediately recognized. His death in 1786, being Viceroy of New Spain, closed a trajectory full of administrative responsibilities and military campaigns.
During his term in Mexico, He had to face a severe famine And it was involved in urban development with projects such as the start of the works of the Chapultepec Palace.
Despite their contributions, For a long time his figure remained relegated to the background. The lack of a formal treaty between Spain and the American colonies relegated Spanish recognition against the most documented French support. However, In the 21st century, several symbolic gestures have rescued their memory:
- In 2014, his portrait was installed in the Washington Capitol.
- In 2014, the United States Congress granted him the honorary citizenshipa privilege granted to very few people.
- More recently, the United States armed forces decided to baptize a New War Ship like Uss Gálvezin his honor.
- In addition, every July 23 (date of his birth) the Gálvez Day In various American towns.
A little disseminated story in school books
Despite tributes, Bernardo de Gálvez is still an unknown character for many. His role as a Malaga military and his direct contribution to the defeat of the British army on several fronts barely appears in school agendas.
This contrasts with the level of recognition that he won in the political and military sphere of the United States, where he is considered an important piece of gear that allowed independence. The reconstruction of his figure as a historical hero does not respond to a patriotic story, but to the finding of documented facts: The Spanish presence in the war was real.
Thus, Gálvez’s case serves as an example of an episode in which the geopolitical interests of a European power converged with those of an independence movement on the other side of the Atlantic.
