"North America at the end of the XVIII Century: Spain and the United States (celebrating Benjamin Franklin's birth anniversary)". Casa de América, Madrid
Coordinator: D. Eduardo Garrigues
As a complement to the lecture series at the Real Academia de la Historia, but more specialized, a larger group of historians participated in the International Congress "North America at the end of the XVIII Century: Spain and the United States, (celebrating Benjamin Franklin's birth anniversary)", held at the Casa de America, May 17-19, 2006. The congress was made possible by the sponsorship of the Fundación Consejo España-Estados Unidos, the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Exterior Affairs and Iberoamérica (SEAEI) and the Fundación Carolina.
The highest authorities on this historical period shared the results of their research, covering topics as fascinating as the clandestine support Spain gave to the rebellious colonies, the financial effects of this support on Carlos III's administration, the Spanish urban expansion in North America, or the role played by Basque businessmen such as banker Diego de Gardoqui in supplying arms, clothing, and other provisions to the American troops.
Without a doubt the multifaceted and personable character of Benjamin Franklin serves as a common thread in this complex mosaic of historical events and diverse characters which had such a decisive impact on future continental relations.
Amongst the prominent historians participating in this International Congress were:
• Sir John Elliott, Regius Professor Emeritus in the University of Oxford
• Dr. Felipe Fernández-Armesto, Prince of Asturias Profesor of Spanish Cultura and Civilization, Tufts University
• Dr. David J. Weber, Robert and Nancy Dedman Professor of History & Director of the William P. Clements Center for Southwest Studies, Southern Methodist University