Because Reagan viewed the Soviet Union as an "evil empire" that was unstoppable in terms of spreading communism and related oppression if the United States did not act to stave off the spread of Communist rule worldwide.
Spain's motivation to help the American colonists was driven by a desire to regain the land it had lost to Britain and, with other European powers, make incremental gains against British possessions in other parts of the world. ... In April 1779, Spain committed to helping the Americans.
True is was about 12 foot tall and 4 foot wide mass of reinforced concrete
The main reason why the Loyalists wanted to remain part of the British Empire is because they thought the Patriots were overreacting--that taxation was not an issue and that the British were doing a good job of protecting the colonies.