Pragmatism between wars. The Irish nation and the Army of the Spanish Monarchy (1690-1700): three examples of transition

Abstract

The historiography on the presence of the Irish in the armies of the Spanish monarchy has made significant progress over the past twenty years. Consequently, it is now possible to affirm that soldiers of Hibernian origin were present in Spanish forces from the mid-16th century to nearly the late 18th century. However, specific periods still lack systematic studies, as it has been rightly presumed that the Irish presence was minimal. Among these is the final decade of Charles II's reign. Nevertheless, the available documentation allows for the reconstruction of the cursus honorum of three officers whose cases exemplify the capacity for adaptation during a transitional juncture.