The Diplomacy of Independence: Benjamin Franklin and Spain

Join us on March 26 for the El Rancho de las Golondrinas Winter Lecture Series. This long running collaboration explores exciting corners of New Mexico’s history and culture as presented by engaging authors and historians.

As part of the Committee of Secret Correspondence Benjamin Franklin was sent to France along with Silas Deane and Arthur Lee to secure aid and alliances for the thirteen colonies that had declared their independence and rebelled against Great Britain.  Franklin was the first American diplomat to make contact with Spain.  He never set foot in Spain but he dealt with Spain’s ambassador to France and corresponded with Spanish royalty as well as intellectuals.  This virtually unknown facet of the revolution contributed to the success of the revolution. A discussion of the many documents in Spain’s archives that are pertinent to Franklin’s diplomatic efforts will conclude the talk.

Tickets are available through El Rancho de las Golondrinas at  https://golondrinas.org/