Battle of El Maguey facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of El Maguey
Part of the Mexican War of Independence
A portrait of Ignacio Lopez Rayon who commanded the retreating Mexican insurgents at El Maguey.
Date 2 May 1811 Location El Maguey, Aguascalientes, Mexico Result Spanish royalist victory
Belligerents
Mexican Rebels	Spanish Empire
Commanders and leaders
Ignacio López Rayón	Miguel Emparan Pedro García Conde Count of Rule
Strength
14 cannon	~3,000 soldiers

The Battle of El Maguey was an important fight during the Mexican War of Independence. It happened on May 2, 1811, in a place called El Maguey, which is in the state of Aguascalientes, Mexico. This battle was between two main groups: the royalist forces, who were loyal to the Spanish king, and the Mexican rebels, who were fighting for Mexico's freedom from Spain. The royalist forces were led by General Miguel Emparan, while the Mexican rebels were led by Ignacio López Rayón. In the end, the Spanish royalists won this battle.

What Happened at El Maguey?

The Chase Begins

In early May 1811, a Spanish general named Miguel Emparan was chasing the rebel army of Ignacio López Rayón. General Emparan had about 3,000 soldiers with him. His main commanders were Pedro García Conde and the Count of House Rule. They followed Rayón's army through the state of Aguascalientes.

A Clever Plan

On May 3, the Spanish soldiers caught up with the Mexican rebels near a ranch called El Maguey. Rayón knew his army was much smaller than the Spanish forces. He decided to send his foot soldiers, supplies, and baggage ahead to a town called La Piedad de Cavadas. This was to keep them safe from the Spanish.

Fighting to Gain Time

Rayón himself stayed behind at El Maguey. He had 14 cannons and a small group of cavalry (soldiers on horseback). His plan was to fight a "rearguard action." This means he would fight the Spanish just enough to slow them down. This would give his main group of foot soldiers time to get away and organize their retreat.

The Battle and Retreat

General Emparan's forces attacked. The two armies moved around the ranch, trying to get the best position. There was a lot of smoke and dust in the air from the fighting. Rayón used this confusion to his advantage. While the Spanish were busy fighting, he managed to escape with his remaining soldiers. The royalists then took control of all the cannons the rebels had left behind.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla del Maguey para niños