Although Spain was never a formal ally of the United States during the American Revolution, its entry into the war definitively tipped the balance against Britain. Led by Bernardo de Galvez, supreme commander of the Spanish forces in North America, their military campaigns against British settlements on the Mississippi River--and later against Mobile and Pensacola--were crucial in preventing Britain from concentrating all its North American military and naval forces on the fight against George Washington's Continental army. This biography of Galvez assesses the commander's considerable historical impact and expands our understanding of Spain's contribution to the war.

Early years -- New Spain : fighting the Apache -- Learning to be an officer and tasting defeat -- Arrival in Louisiana and preparations for war -- Bernardo de Gálvez takes the initiative -- His finest hour : Pensacola, "I alone" -- Objectives : Jamaica, return to Europe, Cuba -- Viceroy of New Spain.