Historical Ties between Spain and the U.S. (in English)--Spring Semester Only

This course offers a historical overview of the relations between Spain and the United States up to the present day. Starting with the Spanish colonial rule and surviving legacy in the southern and western United States, following with Spain's role during the War of Independence, and ending with the 1898 Spanish-American War and US relations with Franco and democratic Spain, students will become aware of the strong ties that exist between both nations.

Course Description

In this course, students will be offered an overview of the history of relations between Spain and the United States – beginning in the 15th century up to the present day.  Specifically, students will learn about the following events, presented in chronological order: (i) the Spanish colonization process in the Americas, what today the Southeastern and Southwestern United States; (ii) Spain's role in the U.S. War of Independence and the surviving Hispanic legacy in the U.S. nowadays; (iii) the 1898 Spanish-American War; and (iv) U.S. relations with Franco and democratic Spain. 

Course Goals and Methodology

This course aims to make students aware of Spain’s relevant involvement in the formation and development of the early days of the United States, as well as the U.S. increasing influence in Spain’s foreign policy in the 20th century. In particular, students will be expected to attain the following course goals:  

1.Students will learn about the formation of Spain’s imperial consciousness in the late 15th century and its implications in the “discovery” and exploration of the North American continent in the 16th century.  Including the exploration, conquest, rule over the territories that today include Florida, Alabama, Arkansas, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, Louisiana, California, etc.  

2. Students will be able to understand the central role that Spain played in the Independence of the United States and identify the most significant areas of Spanish heritage throughout the country, including the duality of both Spanish and Mexican heritage.  

3. Students will critically review the causes and consequences of the 1898 SpanishAmerican War for both Spain and the U.S., focusing on its lasting, unresolved controversy.  As well as the relationships of both nations during the Franco Regime up to current times. 

Learning Objectives

By the end of the term, and in consonance with the course goals listed above, students will be able to:  

1. Deliver a comprehensive account and critical analysis of Spain’s motivations and objectives for wanting to colonize the North American continent in the 16th century.  

2. Discuss the implications for both the Spanish conquistadores and the native population of the processes of evangelization, exploitation, contention and rebellion in Florida and New Mexico. 

3. Debate about the implications for both the Spanish conquistadores and the native population of the processes of evangelization, expansion, trade and stagnation in Texas, Arizona, Louisiana and California.  

4. Report on Spain’s fundamental contribution to the independence of the United States and the most salient instances of Hispanic legacy throughout the country.

 5. Determine the causes and consequences of the 1898 Spanish-American War for both Spain and the U.S., and discuss why this event remains so polemic.   And evaluate the Spain-US relations in the 20th century.  

 

Required Reading

-Weber, David J. The Spanish Frontier in North America. The Brief Edition”. (2009)

-Cowans, Jon (ed.), Early Modern Spain: A Documentary History.  (2003)*

-Cowans, Jon  (ed.), Modern Spain: A Documentary History.  (2003)*  

Further Reading

-Balfour, Sebastian. The end of the Spanish Empire: 1898-1923. (1997)

-Chavez, T. E. Spain and the Independence of the United States: An Intrinsic Gift. (200)

-Chipman, Donald E. & Joseph, Harriett Denise. Spanish Texas: 1519-1821. (2010)

-Kessell, John. Spain in the Southwest. University of Oklahoma Press, 2002. 

 

Course Requirements and Grading

Participation is very important, and each student is expected to contribute enthusiastically to discussions and to be courteous while in class. Furthermore, the student is expected to come prepared to class.  

Class Participation      10%

Quizzes (I & II)     30%

Exams (Mid & Final)     20+30%

Final Presentation/paper  10%  

All assignments will be graded using the Spanish grade scale. 

 

Course Schedule  

Block I – Introduction & US History

Session 1 – Introduction: presentation of the course and review of syllabus

Session 2 – Brief introduction to US history – part I (colonial era to 1789)

Session 3 – Brief introduction to US history – part II (1789 to 1865)

Session 4 – Brief introduction to US history – part III (1865 to 1945)

Session 5 – US since 1945  

Block II – Spanish History

Session 6 – Brief introduction to Spanish history – part I (Antiquity & Early Middle Ages)

Session 7 – Brief introduction to Spanish history – part II (1250-1492)

Session 8 – Brief introduction to Spanish history– part III (1492-1701)

Session 9 – Brief introduction to Spanish history – part IV (1701-1808)

Session 10 – Brief introduction to Spanish history – part IV (1808-1939)

Session 11 – Spain since 1939

Session 12 – Midterm Exam (Mar 11th)  

Block III – 1492 & the birth of the Spanish Empire under the Hapsburgs

Session 13 – 1492 Columbus sails the Ocean Blue

Session 14 – Conquest and Exploration: Florida & the American Caribbean  

Session 15 – Texas, the American SW and the Pacific  

Block IV – The Bourbons and the birth the American Revolution  

Session 16 – The Thirteen Colonies and its European Allies

Session 17 – Carlos III and the Americans

Session 18 – Spain-US relations up to the French Revolution

 Block V – The end of the Spanish Empire & the birth of the US Empire

Session 19 – The Mexican-American War and the Caribbean expansion

Session 20 – Prelude to War & War: The Spanish-American War and the Generation of 1898  

Block VI – The 20th century

Session 21 – The Spanish Civil War and the International Brigades

Session 22 – The Franco Regime (1939-1975) & the USA  

Session 23 – US-Spain relations since 1975  

Block VII – Student presentations (papers are due on presentation day!)

Sessions 24 to 26 – Student presentations

Session 27 – Final Exam (date/time TBA)