Military Migration Model. Military Reasons for Why Spaniards Settled Permanently in the Caribbean, 1600s-1890s

Volume 50 Issue 1

Author(s):

James W. Cortada - University of Minnesota

Recommended Citation:

Cortada, James W. (2026) “Military Migration Model. Military Reasons for Why Spaniards Settled Permanently in the Caribbean, 1600s-1890s,” Bulletin for Spanish and Portuguese Historical Studies: Vol. 50 : Iss. 1 , Article 2.

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Abstract:

This article explains the motives and consequences of Spanish military personnel being assigned to Caribbean colonies from 1600-1898, using several families as case studies concentrated on Cuba and Puerto Rico. It argues that some officers assigned to the region remained as permanent residents and became integrated into local economic and creole social classes.

Tags: creole cultures, Cuba, family histories, Puerto Rico, Spanish Army, Spanish Navy