I'm gonna need to do some more homework, I guess.Brooklyn wrote: ↑Sat Jul 22, 2023 4:25 pmHowever, those {Spanish} colonies, those regions, did not contribute to the Founders' choices to revolt, nor in their choices in the creation of our founding documents, nor any role in early governance of the country.
Actually, the Spanish speaking regions had a significant role in liberating what became the USA from Britain. Commander-General de Gálves (for whom Galveston, TX is named) was former governor of Louisiana who resigned from office to fight the British. From what I've read his used his forces (comprised of Spaniards, former slaves, Cubans, Puerto Ricans, and others) to fight the Brits all the way to California. He freed Florida from British rule and supplied the former colonies with arms and foods. That's how the war was won.
Best I recall, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, were not part of the founding 13 colonies.
Indeed, if I'm not mistaken, Florida became a Spanish colony after the Revolutionary War. Not so sure I'd call that "freed Florida", just new colonial master.
Heck, on checking dates, Florida didn't become a US State until 1845, same year as Texas. And wasn't even a territory until 1822.
Louisiana was earlier, 1803 as a territory, 1812 as a state.
Doesn't mean that all sorts weren't fighting the British, most notably the French. And without that help, really an extension of the various wars between Britain, France and Spain, you're right that the revolting 13 British colonies wouldn't have gained independence.