US vs Spain- Naval power early 1800s

Because during the Napoleonic wars Spain was in upheaveal and the colonies were left to themselves and so of course their would be panicked. But it doesn't change the facts on the ground that in the early 1800s the US had other worries than Louisiana. The natives under Tecumseh were organizing in the Northwest. The British and Americans were being drawn closer into conflict. The only reason France sold Louisiana was because it failed to put down the Haitian rebellion and lacked no foreword base from which to go into America.

Except the Spanish were also afraid, in the 1790s, of America seizing Florida and Louisiana, and officials in the region were very worried that nothing would stop the US. So were these guys crazy?
 
You have to remember that the napoleonic Era Spanish navy was utterly trash with wretched ships,terrible crews,gun crews who were actually conscripted land artillery men without special training, and generally terrible everything. This can best be exemplified by the battle of the sloop HMS speedy and the xebec frigate el gamo. Speedy won with a handful of wounded despite being at least twice outgunned and six times out manned.

In contrast the USN of the era was small but of exceptionally high quality all manned by dedicated volunteers. I'd say quality wise we were the equal if not slightly better then the RN.
 
Top