Spain and the World War That Resulted in the Independence of the United States

"Spain and the World War That Resulted in the Independence of the United
States" by Dr. Thomas E. Chávez

Presented by: San Jan County Historical Society, Aztec Museum & Pioneer
Village, DAR Desert Gold Chapter

In celebration or our nation's 250th anniversary, the Aztec Museum & Pioneer Village, San Juan County Historical Society, and Desert Gold Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution are proud to present a program by Dr. Thomas E. Chávez on "Spain and the World War That Resulted in the Independence of the United States."

This fascinating program highlights Spain's critical, yet often overlooked, role in the American Revolutionary War. He discusses how Spain's entry expanded a colonial rebellion into a true world war by fighting the British across Europe, the Caribbean, and South America. He covers lesser-known Spanish and Native American Patriots who served in areas like present-day New Mexico and the Gulf Coast to secure American freedom. He'll also discuss the Spanish financial and military aid that helped tip the scales for the American victory. Spain acted as a senior partner in the war strategy again Great Britain, providing vital funding for campaigns like Yorktown and securing the Mississippi River Valley.

Thomas E. Chávez a historian with a Ph. D. from UNM. In December of 2004, he retired as the Executive Director of the National Hispanic Culture Center in Albuquerque. Before that he was director of the Palace of the Governors State History Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico for twenty-one years. He has published numerous book reviews, articles, fourteen books, and wrote a monthly Sunday article for The Santa Fe New Mexican. He helped the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art begin an endowment, consulted for the University of New Mexico Press, and the New Mexico Women’s Forum. Dr. Chávez's research on the topic of Spain and the American Revolution has aligned with the DAR's genealogical and historical research, and he is a frequent lecturer for DAR chapters across the state. We are excited to welcome him to San Juan County! His book Spain and the Independence of the United States: An Intrinsic Gift will be available on site for purchase from Quill & Quest and signing by the author.

This program is FREE and open to the public. For info, call 505-334-9829 or email joan@aztecmuseum.org.