Introduction: New Directions in Hispanic Atlantic History

The early modern Hispanic Atlantic was a dynamic and profoundly interconnected region, shaped by cultural, economic, and political entanglements that spanned the globe. The multifaceted history of Spanish America and the Hispanic world is central to a thorough understanding of the broader Atlantic world. Recent historiography on the Hispanic Atlantic has changed our perspective on the development of key institutions, highlighted the experiences of diverse groups, and stressed the impact of global connections on the region. Recent works emphasize the contributions of Indigenous peoples, Africans, and their descendants, as well as the complex interplay of European, African, and Indigenous influences. Traditional textbooks and courses on Atlantic History often marginalize the Hispanic world, while those focusing on Colonial Latin American History tend to be inwards-looking and to downplay the region’s connections to and interactions with the wider world. Examining the region’s history from a broader perspective underscores the importance of understanding the Hispanic Atlantic’s entanglement with Europe, Asia, Africa, and the rest of the Americas. Ultimately, this perspective provides a deeper appreciation of the region’s complexity and its integral role in shaping the early modern world.