Spain and the Defence of the Pacific Ocean Empire, 1750-1810

During almost three centuries, Spain managed to claim as part of its empire the entire Pacific Ocean. But from 1600 onwards Spanish claims to this vast and little-known area exceeded her capacity to defend it. This became obvious after 1740 when geographical or scientific curiosity and commercial desires drew other European powers into the region. Spain tried at first a policy of isolation based on secrecy, which only annoyed her own explorers who were obliged to seek information from foreign sources, more anxious to publicize their own assaults on the Spanish monopoly. Well aware of the strategic value of island and coastal territories, Spain instructed her emissaries to behave correctly towards native peoples. But the exemplary conduct of Spanish nationals (in their relationships with women and in the use of force) was not sufficient to overcome the disadvantages resulting from Jack of resources and cumbersome official enterprises while rival powers gave free rein to adventurers and entrepreneurs

Adventure · Curiosity · Economics · Economy · Empire · Isolation (microbiology · Monopoly · Ottoman empire · Political science · Secrecy · Sovereignty · Value (mathematics · Historical Studies on Spain · History · Law

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