Battle of Majaceite facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Majaceite |
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| Part of First Carlist War | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
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Carlists supporting |
Liberals (Isabelinos or Cristinos) supporting Isabella II of Spain and her regent mother Maria Christina |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Miguel Gómez Damas | Ramón María Narváez y Campos | ||||||
The Battle of Majaceite was an important fight during the First Carlist War in Spain. This war was a big conflict between two groups: the Carlists and the Liberals. The Carlists wanted Infante Carlos, Count of Molina to be king. The Liberals supported Isabella II of Spain and her mother, Maria Christina of the Two Sicilies, who was ruling for her.
This battle happened on November 23, 1836, near the Majaceite River in Andalusia, Spain. It was a victory for the Liberals.
Contents
What Was the First Carlist War?
The First Carlist War (1833-1840) was a civil war in Spain. It was fought over who should be the next ruler.
- One side, the Carlists, supported Infante Carlos, Count of Molina. They believed he should be king because of traditional laws.
- The other side, the Liberals (also called Isabelinos or Cristinos), supported Isabella II of Spain. She was the daughter of the previous king, Ferdinand VII.
The war was a struggle between old traditions and new ideas for Spain.
Who Were the Main Commanders?
In the Battle of Majaceite, two important generals led their armies:
- Miguel Gómez Damas was the general for the Carlist side.
- Ramón María Narváez y Campos led the Liberal forces. He was a very skilled general.
How Did the Battle Happen?
General Narváez was ordered to stop General Gómez Damas. Gómez Damas was leading a Carlist group on a long journey.
- Narváez left Madrid in October 1836 with three groups of soldiers.
- Gómez Damas started from Ronda on November 18, 1836. He reached Algeciras on November 22.
On November 23, Gómez Damas left Algeciras. He found his army surrounded near a fort called Alcalá de los Gazules. Gómez Damas tried to get to Arcos de la Frontera for safety. But he met Narváez's army at the Majaceite River.
What Was the Outcome?
The battle at the Majaceite River was quick and decisive.
- General Gómez Damas and his Carlist forces had to retreat. They went to Villamartín.
- The Liberals, led by Narváez, won the battle.
An English writer at the time praised Narváez's actions. They said he saved Andalucía from the Carlist invasion. It was a "brilliant coup de main" (a quick, clever move) that people in the southern parts of Spain would remember. This victory was a big boost for the Liberal side in the war.
See also
In Spanish: Batalla del Majaceite para niños
