Battle of Mansilla facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Mansilla
Part of Peninsular War
Concepción Gate, Mansilla de las Mulas
Date 30 December 1808 Location Mansilla de las Mulas, Spain 42°30′N 5°25′W / 42.500°N 5.417°W / 42.500; -5.417 Result French victory
Belligerents
First French Empire	Bourbon Spain
Commanders and leaders
Nicolas Soult Jean Franceschi	Marquis La Romana General Martinengo
Strength
2,200	3,000, 2 guns
Casualties and losses
light	over 1,500, 2 guns

The Battle of Mansilla was a fight that happened on December 30, 1808. It was part of the Peninsular War, which was a big conflict during the Napoleonic Wars. In this battle, French soldiers led by Nicolas Soult caught up with a Spanish army led by Pedro Caro, 3rd Marquis of la Romana.

The battle took place near a town called Mansilla de las Mulas in Spain. It's about 17 kilometers (11 miles) southeast of León, Spain. The French cavalry, led by Jean Baptiste Marie Franceschi-Delonne, defeated the Spanish soldiers who were protecting the back of their army.

What Was the Peninsular War?

The Peninsular War was a major conflict in Europe. It lasted from 1807 to 1814. It was fought between France and the allied armies of Spain, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. This war was part of the larger Napoleonic Wars. Napoleon Bonaparte, the French emperor, wanted to control Europe.

The war began when French armies invaded Portugal and then Spain. The people of Spain and Portugal fought back. The British army also joined to help them. The Battle of Mansilla was one of many battles in this long war.

The Armies Involved

The Spanish army at Mansilla was led by Marquis La Romana. His soldiers were working with a British army led by Sir John Moore. Moore's army was moving through northern Spain. They were trying to get away from the French.

General Martinengo was in charge of the Spanish "rear guard." A rear guard is a group of soldiers who protect the main army from behind. They make sure the enemy doesn't surprise them.

The French army was led by Marshal Nicolas Soult. His cavalry (soldiers on horseback) were very strong. Jean Franceschi was a key French cavalry leader.

The Battle of Mansilla

The Spanish rear guard, led by General Martinengo, was positioned at a bridge over the Esla River. Their job was to stop the French from following the main Spanish army. Martinengo made a big mistake. He placed his soldiers with the bridge right behind them. This meant they had nowhere to go if they needed to retreat.

Franceschi's French cavalry, about 2,200 horsemen, charged forward. They attacked the Spanish soldiers. The Spanish army had about 3,000 men and two cannons. Many of them were trapped against the river. They couldn't escape.

The French cavalry cut through the Spanish lines. Many Spanish soldiers were forced to give up. Others were killed by the French swords. The French had very few losses.

After the Battle

The Spanish army lost more than 1,500 soldiers. They were either captured or killed. The French also took their two cannons and two flags.

The day after the battle, Marquis La Romana left the city of León. He had to leave behind about 2,000 sick or wounded Spanish soldiers in hospitals there. The French then took control of León.

This battle was an important win for the French. It allowed them to keep chasing the British and Spanish armies. The next big battle in this area was the Battle of Corunna on January 16, 1809.

See also

• Timeline of the Peninsular War