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International - The Temptations of Trade: Britain, Spain, and the Struggle for Empire (The Early Modern Americas)

Description

Book Synopsis:

The British and the Spanish had long been in conflict, often clashing over politics, trade, and religion. But in the early decades of the eighteenth century, these empires signed an asiento agreement granting the British South Sea Company a monopoly on the slave trade in the Spanish Atlantic, opening up a world of uneasy collaboration. British agents of the Company moved to cities in the Caribbean and West Indies, where they braved the unforgiving tropical climate and hostile religious environment in order to trade slaves, manufactured goods, and contraband with Spanish colonists. In the process, British merchants developed relationships with the Spanish—both professional and, at times, personal.The Temptations of Trade traces the development of these complicated relationships in the context of the centuries-long imperial rivalry between Spain and Britain. Many British Merchants, in developing personal ties to the Spanish, were able to collect potentially damaging information about Spanish imperial trade, military defenses, and internal conflict. British agents juggled personal friendships with national affiliation—and, at the same time, developed a network of illicit trade, contraband, and piracy extending beyond the legal reach of the British South Sea Company and often at the Company's direct expense.Ultimately, the very smuggling through which these empires unwittingly supported each other led to the resumption of Anglo-Spanish conflict, as both empires cracked down on the actions of traders within the colonies. The Temptations of Trade reveals the difficulties of colonizing regions far from strict imperial control, where the actions of individuals could both connect empires and drive them to war.

Details

The Temptations of Trade: Britain, Spain, and the Struggle for Empire is a captivating book that delves into the intense rivalry between two of history's greatest empires. This gripping tale of politics, trade, and religion will transport you to an era of untamed ambition and fierce competition.

Discover the intriguing story of the asiento agreement, a pivotal moment in history that granted the British South Sea Company a monopoly on the slave trade in the Spanish Atlantic. Unearth the secrets of British agents who ventured into the treacherous Caribbean and West Indies, braving the harsh climate and religious animosity, all in pursuit of trading slaves, goods, and contraband with Spanish colonists.

Within these pages, you'll unravel the web of relationships that emerged between British merchants and the Spanish. These friendships, born out of necessity, had unexpected consequences. British agents cultivated personal connections, gaining access to vital information about Spanish imperial trade, military defenses, and internal conflicts. As the plot thickens, you'll witness the delicate balance between personal loyalties and national affiliation, alongside a thriving network of illicit trade, contraband, and piracy that stretched beyond the law's confines.

But beware, for within the shadows of this clandestine activity lies the seeds of discord between Spain and Britain. The once-secret trade, which inadvertently supported both empires, eventually led to a resumption of conflict and a crackdown on these audacious traders. The Temptations of Trade unravels a tale of forbidden alliances, where individuals had the power to shape empires and escalate tensions to the brink of war.

This remarkable account explores the challenges faced by these empires in colonizing distant regions, far from the grasp of strict imperial control. The actions of resourceful individuals not only connected the empires but also ignited fires of conflict. Join us on a journey through history and immerse yourself in the intricate world of the British and Spanish struggle for empire.

Experience the captivating story of The Temptations of Trade: Britain, Spain, and the Struggle for Empire for yourself. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain unique insights into an era of unmatched ambition, cunning alliances, and thrilling adventures. Get your copy now - Order here!

Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this website