Battle of Aranzueque facts for kids

The Battle of Aranzueque was an important fight that happened in the village of Aranzueque, Spain. It took place on September 19, 1837, during a big conflict called the First Carlist War.

This battle was a clash between two groups. One group supported Carlos V, who wanted to be king. These were called the Carlists. The other group supported the young Queen Isabella II of Spain and her mother, the Queen Regent Maria Christina. These were known as the Liberals, or sometimes Isabelinos or Cristinos.

What Was the First Carlist War About?

The First Carlist War was a civil war in Spain. It happened because people disagreed about who should rule the country.

• Carlists believed that Carlos, the brother of the previous king, should be the next ruler. They wanted to keep old traditions.
• Liberals supported Isabella, the daughter of the previous king. They wanted a more modern government.

The Battle of Aranzueque

Before the battle, the Liberal troops, led by General Baldomero Espartero, had been chasing the Carlists. They attacked the Carlists near Alcalá de Henares. The Carlists were pushed back through an area called Alcarria towards Aranzueque.

On September 19, 1837, the Liberal forces launched their final attack. The Carlist soldiers were tired and their numbers were low. General Espartero's troops managed to take control of the village of Aranzueque. They used artillery, which are big cannons, to bombard the Carlists. This made the Carlists run away completely.

Why Was This Battle Important?

The victory at Aranzueque was a big win for the Liberals. It marked the end of a major Carlist plan called the Expedición Real (Royal Expedition). This expedition was a large effort by the Carlists to try and win the war. Their defeat at Aranzueque meant they could not achieve their goals. This battle helped the Liberals gain a stronger position in the war.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Aranzueque para niños