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Around 1812 New Spain was in a good place. There was a strong Viceroy, exerting de facto independence, the Cadiz Constitution promised the New Spain subjects equal representation with metropolitan Spain, it had a free trading relationship, and it was building a navy to defend against potential French attack.

Despite New Spain/Mexico’s practical autonomy and self-rule, it was loyal to Spain, at least to the Spanish juntas that were not puppetized by France.

New Spain also knew that the USA had claims to land in New Spain and to Florida. American filibusters had seized and created the “Republic of West Florida” in 1810 and entered the Union,.

[I am not sure if Florida was a part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain at this time, but if Cuba was a part of New Spain, Florida certainly was. In any case the Viceroy of New Spain could always cooperate closely with the Captaincy-General of Cuba in common policies as both supported the deposed Spanish King Ferdinand and opposed the French puppet Joseph Bonaparte.]

So what if the Viceroy of New Spain decided that the outbreak of the Anglo-American War of 1812, created the opportunity to confront US expansionism, redress territorial losses to Napeoleon and to the Americans in Louisiana and West Florida.

Impact of the war depends a lot on timing of the entry of Spain into the war. They could join on the later side for instance, and New Orleans would be the most natural campaign for them to join, with Mexican and Cuban troops joining the British.

Of course and earlier entry could alter campaign plans more, with joint campaigns operating out of Florida or Texas against Louisiana, invasion of Georgia and or South Carolina, and incitement of southeastern Indians. If not that, maybe some Spanish Cuban troops could participate in the British Chesapeake Campaign.

Why would New Spain/Spanish imperial authorities even think of doing this? Basically by taking a more proactive and strategic view. It is in their interest to see the US contained, the War of 1812 is the only time to do this with the a powerful, the most powerful ally, on their side. It would be good to establish the principle that the security of British North America and New Spain are interdependent, possibly securing British aid for New Spain should it be needed later.

Also, thinking globally and acting locally, it could be seen as useful or even vital for Spanish interests to draw off American troops. It goes like this. Britain and (legitimate) Spain are allied in Europe. Britain is the vital actor in liberating metropolitan Spain. America is attacking Spain’s ally, Britain, in North America. It is not in Spain or New Spain’s interest for the British to either lose in Canada or divert too many troops and ships there. A British loss removes a check on American expansionism to the south as well as north, and a big long commitment by Britain in North America distracts British resources from the liberation of Spain.
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