A War of Information: Spanish Naval Intelligence During the American Revolutionary War (1775–83).

This article examines the role and development of Spanish naval intelligence during the American Revolutionary War (1776–83), highlighting how information functioned as a critical, though intangible, resource in early-modern warfare. It details the structure, agents, and networks involved in the collection, management, and dissemination of intelligence by the Spanish navy, emphasizing the central roles of the Secretary for the Navy in Madrid and the Naval Command of Havana. The study shows that Spanish naval intelligence operated through a complex, multi-nodal system spanning Europe and the Americas, employing warships, spies, merchants, and diplomatic channels to gather timely and reliable information crucial for military strategy. Despite occasional shortcomings, this intelligence framework significantly enhanced Spain's naval operations and contributed to its military successes during the conflict.