U.S. performance in a 1798 war against Spain

The Quasi-War between France and the USA was expected to become a declared war between them as well as France's ally, Spain. Alexander Hamilton was made a commander of a new army and his plan was to attack Florida and Louisiana.

Had the war actually happened, could the USA win? How skilled was Hamilton as a commander?
 
The Quasi-War between France and the USA was expected to become a declared war between them as well as France's ally, Spain. Alexander Hamilton was made a commander of a new army and his plan was to attack Florida and Louisiana.

Had the war actually happened, could the USA win? How skilled was Hamilton as a commander?
idk really about the US's military at that time but both France & Spain where caught up in the coalition wars
 
I can't see much long term success for the US unless France and Spain were very preoccupied. Spain in particular it seems to me had the capacity to wage a reasonably successful front from south America and the Caribbean.
 
I can't see much long term success for the US unless France and Spain were very preoccupied. Spain in particular it seems to me had the capacity to wage a reasonably successful front from south America and the Caribbean.
well i fugure the fronts agianst Spain would be the main ones as France would be mainly looking at Europe
 
well i fugure the fronts agianst Spain would be the main ones as France would be mainly looking at Europe

Before Trafalgar the Spanish Navy could have blocked quite decently the US ports ( probably letting pass the British ones just in case ... ) so it will be quite bad for the US ...
 
Well, when it comes to US capabilities there is not much they can do by themselves, at least at sea. However in this kind of scenario President John Adams would most likely seek an alliance with Britain, who would then bare the brunt of the Franco-Spanish navies.

The US' biggest contribution would have been in the land war. I don't think the US would have been able to take Louisiana, but I think capturing Florida is definitely a possibility, considering that it would not REQUIRE (but would be extremely helped by) a navy. I could possibly see the Americans taking Saint Dominique from the French, of course that is depending on how much support the British give to such an invasion, in which case they would want something in return, such as the other half of Hispaniola, or a more favorable trade agreement and continental border.
 
I Don't think it would end well for the new born nation.

France and Spain combined would be a tough match. but i must say that maybe .. and just maybe that the British would not want to see there former possessions fall to its rivals in North America and join on our side with of course some favorable trade deals and other concessions being given to Britain for its support and defense of liberty.

The french are rather busy with other things like invading Egypt. correction.. as of this point Spain has been shown to France's toy. It may have a navy that could cause issues, but a split, demoralized Spanish Army isnt going to help much. I would also add by this time that many North American possessions were disillusioned as well I would think not be counted on for support.

If it is USA alone.. US looses.. if its US UK PORTUGAL VS FRANCE SPAIN AND ALLIES ? US and allies win out
 
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Depending on how tied up the Europeans are, I would expect a similar display of American "might' as in the War of 1812. That is to say, very limited success, a little embarassment, and maybe a bit of a unified (or splintered, actually) national spirit.
 
Depending on how tied up the Europeans are, I would expect a similar display of American "might' as in the War of 1812. That is to say, very limited success, a little embarassment, and maybe a bit of a unified (or splintered, actually) national spirit.

This. Spain and France can be tied up in Europe and North America isn't worth draining their resources on. America is deeply unprepared for full war.
 
Side thought. Suppose no return of Spanish Louisiana to revolutionary France, and there is never a Louisiana purchase. I have trouble imagining US settlers not wanting to push into the thinly settled lands a little ways up the Mississippi: when would you say the US can, in a one-on-one fight vs Spain, either take Louisiana outright or make it hot enough for Spain that they find the lesser evil selling all or most of Louisiana to the US?

Bruce
 
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