Allied strategy aimed to interrupt Spain's Atlantic connections and open Spanish American trade, while control of the western Mediterranean would separate Spain from its Italian possessions and support Savoy. Spain's weak navy made French escorts necessary for returning American silver. Spanish governors nevertheless distrusted French interference and wanted the silver landed in Spain, fearing that little would return if it went to France. A few fast ships might have carried the silver more safely on military grounds. Large escort squadrons served a political purpose by demonstrating French commitment and overcoming Spanish resistance.
Notable Point · 2:23:00-2:24:43
Why French silver convoys needed large escort squadrons
French escorts protected Spanish silver while confronting Spanish distrust, making squadron size a political choice as well as a military one.