Battle of Mendigorría facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Mendigorría
Part of First Carlist War
Marcelino de Unceta, Battle of Mendigorría, 1886.
Date 16 July 1835 Location Mendigorría, Navarre, Spain Result Liberal victory
Belligerents
Carlists supporting Infante Carlos of Spain	Liberals (Isabelinos or Cristinos) supporting Isabella II of Spain and her regent mother Maria Christina
Commanders and leaders
Vicente González Moreno Bruno Villareal	Luis Fernández de Córdova Baldomero Espartero Diego de Leon
Strength
24,000	36,000
Casualties and losses
1,500	1,000

The Battle of Mendigorría was an important fight during the First Carlist War in Spain. It happened on July 16, 1835, near a town called Mendigorría in Navarre. In this battle, the Liberal army won against the Carlist forces.

What Was the Battle of Mendigorría?

The Battle of Mendigorría was a major clash in the First Carlist War. This war was fought in Spain between 1833 and 1840. It was a fight over who should rule Spain.

The Carlists supported Don Carlos, the brother of the previous king. The Liberals, also called Isabelinos or Cristinos, supported Isabella II of Spain, who was a young girl at the time. Her mother, Maria Christina, ruled for her.

Who Was Fighting?

The Carlist army was led by Vicente González Moreno. He took command after their previous leader, Zumalacárregui, died during the Siege of Bilbao. Don Carlos himself was also present at Mendigorría. The Carlists had about 24,000 soldiers.

The Liberal army was much larger, with about 36,000 soldiers. Their main commanders were Luis Fernández de Córdova and Baldomero Espartero.

The Battle Begins

The Carlists found themselves in a tough spot when the Liberals attacked. They had the Arga River behind them. Their only way to cross the river was a single bridge, the Bridge of Larraga. This made it hard for them to move or retreat easily.

The Liberal army attacked with great force. Baldomero Espartero led their left side, and Luis Fernández de Córdova commanded the center of their attack.

The Outcome

The Carlist soldiers fought bravely and defended their positions strongly. However, they were eventually forced to retreat.

Plan of battle of Mendigorría

Thanks to the efforts of Carlist brigadier Bruno Villareal, who defended the Larraga bridge, Don Carlos was able to escape safely.

Even though the Liberals won the battle, they didn't push forward to fully defeat the Carlists. This meant the war continued for some time after this important victory.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Mendigorría para niños