Board Thread:Timeline Discussions/@comment-1310192-20121224215413/@comment-32656-20121227045436

Unlike the Portuguese King, he actually had no reason to flee until it was far, far, too late to do so. Depends on whether you mean Charles or Ferdinand, too.

Wouldn't flee to Cuba, either. New Spain, or bust!

Unfortunately, it would not. Spain's finances depend on the wealth from the New World. Britain's were drained by it. Cultural differences also come into play. Basically, the Spanish aren't going to give them up without a fight.