Battle of Paso de las Damas facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Paso de las Damas
Part of Cuban War of Independence
The death of Serafín Sánchez
Date 18 November 1896 Location Santa Clara Province, Cuba Result Spanish victory
Belligerents
Cuban rebels	Spain
Commanders and leaders
Serafín Sánchez  † Francisco Carrillo (WIA) Avelino Rosas [es] Enrique Loynaz [es] (WIA)	Manuel Armiñán López de Amor
Strength
800 infantry	2,500 infantry with artillery
Casualties and losses
8 killed and 19 wounded	30 killed and 83 wounded

The Battle of Paso de las Damas was an important fight during the Cuban War of Independence. It happened on November 18, 1896, in the Santa Clara Province of Cuba. This battle was a key moment in the fight for Cuba's freedom from Spain.

Why the Battle Happened: The Fight for Freedom

The Battle of Paso de las Damas was part of a bigger struggle. Cuban Major General Serafín Sánchez was a hero who had fought for Cuba's independence for many years. He had already taken part in two earlier wars: the Ten Years' War and the Little War.

The Cuban War of Independence was the third and final war to free Cuba. General Sánchez quickly joined the Cuban independence fighters, known as the mambises. In late 1896, the Cuban forces were actively fighting in an area called Las Villas.

The Battle Unfolds: A Fierce Fight

General Sánchez carefully planned the battle at a spot he chose. In the afternoon, his troops attacked the Spanish forces. The Spanish soldiers, led by Generals Armiñán and López de Amor, had actually been defeated by the same Cuban forces just the day before.

During the battle, some Cuban leaders were hurt. Major General Francisco Carrillo got a bad injury to his face. Lieutenant Colonel Enrique Loynaz del Castillo was knocked off his horse, which fell on him and caused injuries.

The Cuban troops started to run low on ammunition. The Spanish forces were pushing hard. Because of this, the Cuban soldiers began to pull back in an organized way. At that moment, a Spanish bullet hit General Serafín Sánchez. It went through his body from his right shoulder to his left. His last words were brave and inspiring: "They have killed me, that is nothing! Keep going!"

While a small group of Cuban soldiers held back the enemy, others carried General Sánchez's body to a safe place. The general died at 5:15 PM on November 18, 1896. He was buried the very next day.

What Happened Next: A Great Loss

With the Battle of Paso de las Damas, the Cuban Mambí Army lost a very important and experienced general. General Sánchez's death was a big blow. Other important Cuban generals like Guillermón Moncada, Flor Crombet, José Martí, and José Maceo had also died earlier in the war. Losing these leaders greatly affected the Cuban forces' ability to fight.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla del Paso de las Damas para niños