Off topic.
But what if spain were to shift it focus on north america instead of south america? Would ya think that the USA would've been formed in south america?
From what I have understood when I read other books on Atlantic slavery:
Spain was a monarchy; ghost ruled by the Vatican. They actually did have a focus on North America. Georgia was created as buffer zone between Florida and SC just in case they tried it. I only think they did informally, maybe even maritime conflicts, but they mostly maintained their Caribean islands because of Sugar. Sugar in the US was mostly harvested in the Deep South. Upwards in the USA was Tobacco, etc. To move upwards into mainland USA meant disrupting their deals with the Pope, and their own royal monopolies.
If they did, I think we would still have the same results because the indigenous/enslaved populations and their revolts start to impede your ability to govern in your homeland. In an era of enlightenment, you don't want your citizens questioning your authority and trying to kill you.
