Latest news of the America War of Independence

It's 2 o'clock, breaking news, Britain is losing control in North America. 00:00:02

Good afternoon, you're listening to the main news in Eurovoice, the radio of the linemen. 00:00:10

Today, October 9th, 1781, Spanish forces are attacking Pensacola. 00:00:15

I repeat, Spanish forces are attacking Pensacola, the most important British base in West Florida. 00:00:20

This is a key moment in the American war of independence. 00:00:26

If Pensacola falls, Britain loses the South and the world changes completely. 00:00:29

The operation is being led by Fernando de Galvez, governor of Spain's Luciano. 00:00:33

For the latest developments, we go live to Pensacola, where our correspondent is going to exclusively tell us what he sees. 00:00:38

Javi, what's the situation? 00:00:45

Thank you, Rodrigo. The situation here is extremely tense. 00:00:48

Early this morning, Spanish ships entered Pensacola Bay under heavy British fire, smoke, explosions and chaos everywhere. 00:00:51

And now, attention to this. 00:01:00

Bernardo de Galvez advanced alone when other ships hesitated. 00:01:01

His decision changed the battle. 00:01:06

Shortly after a British ammunition magazine exploded, destroying part of their defences, 00:01:08

Spanish troops then advanced on land and British lines began to collapse. 00:01:14

Pensacola is now very close to falling into Spanish hands. 00:01:19

Rodrigo, this is a turning point. I send it back to the studio. 00:01:22

Thank you, Javi. Incredible reports from Pensacola. 00:01:26

Now these words that you are going to hear are from the commander leading today's operation. 00:01:30

Bernardo de Galvez has spoken. 00:01:35

Today Pensacola matters. These actions weaken Britain and bring America closer to independence. 00:01:37

Oh my God. A decisive message on a decisive day. 00:01:44

But the key question now is, what does this victory mean for the war as a whole? 00:01:47

To answer this question, we now turn to our analyst. 00:01:52

Ángel, what do you think? 00:01:56

It's absolutely decisive. 00:01:57

Pensacola was Britain's main base in the Gulf of Mexico. 00:02:00

Losing it means losing supplies, territory and control of the southern region. 00:02:03

Britain is now under pressure of multiple fronts. 00:02:08

Spain may not be fighting directly inside the 13 colonies, 00:02:11

but by wicking Britons here, is making American independence possible. 00:02:14

This battle changes the balance of the war. 00:02:19

Okay, Ángel. Before moving on, I'm going to hand things over to Javi, 00:02:21

who is going to interview Rick Mon, a Pensacola resident who is suffering the consequences of the war. 00:02:27

Thanks, Rodrigo. I'm here in the streets of Pensacola to hear directly from the people affected by the fighting. 00:02:33

Rickmon, you live here all your life. 00:02:40

What are you seeing today? 00:02:43

Oh, fear. Fear is all I see. 00:02:44

The streets are empty, houses are damaged, 00:02:47

and every explosion makes people think it's their last night alive. 00:02:50

And what is the hardest part for you and your family? 00:02:53

Waiting. Waiting in silence, in the dark. 00:02:57

Not knowing if the next blast will hit your home. 00:03:00

War turns ordinary people into shadows. 00:03:03

Thank you so much, Rickmon. 00:03:05

Your story really shows the human cost of this battle. 00:03:07

Back to you, Rodrigo. 00:03:11

Wow, thank you, Javi. 00:03:12

It's spooky to hear the situation from the people themselves. 00:03:14

And that's not the only major story today. 00:03:18

While Spanish troops fight on the battlefield, 00:03:20

Spain is also supporting the American army financially. 00:03:23

Behind all this effort is Francisco de Saavedra, 00:03:26

Spain's official envoy coordinating shipments and funds for New Spain. 00:03:29

Analyst Ángel. 00:03:35

What is he doing exactly? 00:03:36

Francisco Saavedra is personally overseeing the delivery of Spanish silver and supplies to the American forces. 00:03:38

This includes money to pay soldiers, weapons, uniforms and food. 00:03:44

These shipments are arriving just in time to support the coming battles, including the decisive actions at Yacht Town. 00:03:48

His work is largely secret, but absolutely vital. 00:03:56

What can you add, Javi? 00:03:59

Yes, Rodrigo. It's important to say that when we look at both stories together, we see the point, the balance of Spain's provisional victory. 00:04:00

They are fighting on two fronts, Bernardo de Galvez in Pensacola and Francisco de Saavedra behind the scenes, making sure the army is funding an equip. 00:04:09

Without this combination, American independence would have been much harder to achieve. 00:04:18

Saavedra's role proves that Spain's contribution goes far beyond the battlefield. 00:04:23

And before we close, let's see how people reacted worldwide. 00:04:29

Reactions had not been long in coming. 00:04:33

In Spain and France, pamphlets celebrate British setbacks. 00:04:35

While in Britain, the tone is defensive and anxious. 00:04:38

Public opinion is becoming another front of the war. 00:04:41

One day, two fronts, one conclusion. 00:04:44

October 9th, 1781 is the day Spain passes history forward. 00:04:50

That's all for now. You have been listening to EuroVoice. 00:04:55