Battle of Tampico (1829) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Tampico (1829)
Part of Spanish attempts to reconquer Mexico
Painting depicting the surrender of the Spanish army at Tampico
Date 26 July–11 September 1829 Location Tampico, Tamaulipas Result Mexican victory
Belligerents
Mexican Republic	Spain
Commanders and leaders
Antonio López de Santa Anna Manuel de Mier y Terán	Isidro Barradas
Strength
8,000+ troops: 500 (Tampico garrison) 1,000 (Veracruz reinforcements) 1,500 (early August reinforcements) 5,000 (San Luis Potosí Division) Local militias	3,500

The Battle of Tampico was an important fight between the newly independent Mexican Republic and the Spanish Empire. It is also known as the Barradas Expedition. This battle took place from July to September 1829 in Tampico, Tamaulipas. It was part of Spain's efforts to take back control of Mexico. Mexico won a big victory, and this battle was the last major fight between Spain and its former colony.

Why Did the Battle of Tampico Happen?

In the 1810s, a series of rebellions started in New Spain, which was a Spanish colony. These revolts greatly weakened Spain's power in Mexico. Many groups eventually decided that New Spain should become independent. They wanted to form a new country called Mexico.

Spain first tried to stop the rebellions. But by the late 1810s, Mexican revolutionaries controlled much of the country. Mexico officially became independent when the Treaty of Córdoba was signed in 1821. However, the Spanish government refused to accept this treaty. Spanish soldiers stayed in Mexico until 1825. The Spanish navy also used Cuba as a base to attack Mexican ships.

Spain's Plan to Take Back Mexico

As early as 1822, Spanish military leaders thought about taking Mexico back. Early plans were delayed, but by 1823, the Spanish king had more power. Serious plans for an invasion began. They considered landing troops in places like Veracruz, Campeche, or Tampico.

The plans often called for thousands of soldiers. Some Spanish planners believed that Mexicans would not support their own government. They thought diseases like yellow fever and the long distance were the biggest challenges.

King Ferdinand VII of Spain signed the order to invade Mexico in April 1829. The invasion fleet was put together in Havana, Cuba. They decided to land at the port of Tampico. General Isidro Barradas led the invasion force. It included several warships, 15 supply ships, and 3,500 men. They sailed from Havana on July 5.

The journey to Mexico took three weeks. A hurricane scattered the fleet, and they landed at Cabo Rojo. This place was just outside Tampico.

How Mexico Prepared for the Invasion

Mexican officials first heard rumors of an invasion in early 1829. They got this news from their consulate in New Orleans. While the Spanish fleet was on its way from Cuba, the Mexican government worked to strengthen its defenses along the coast.

What Happened During the Battle?

The Spanish soldiers landed at Cabo Rojo on July 26. By July 29, they began moving towards Tampico. For several days, the army marched north along the coast. They had small fights with Mexican forces.

News of the Spanish landing reached the Mexican government on August 2. The government asked state governors to gather local militias (citizen soldiers). The Spanish had not blocked the sea. This allowed Mexican General Antonio López de Santa Anna to sail north from Veracruz. He brought 1,000 men to help defend Tampico. The city of Tampico was emptied by Mexican leaders. This was to make sure the Spanish could not find anyone to help them there.

Spanish Advance and Mexican Response

General Barradas continued to advance into early August. He won small fights against Mexican forces and captured Tampico Alto. The Spanish reached Tampico on August 5 and quickly took over the port. However, the Mexican defenders had already left. They also took all supplies from the town.

After leaving Tampico, Mexican forces gathered in the town of Altamira. They waited for more soldiers to arrive. Santa Anna arrived on August 11. He moved the Mexican army to the mouth of the Pánuco River, just north of Tampico.

On August 15, Barradas ordered the Spanish fleet to sail back to Cuba for more soldiers. He also sent groups of soldiers to search the countryside for food. This led to more small fights with Mexican units. The next day, 1,800 Spanish soldiers moved north towards Altamira looking for supplies. But Mexican fighters slowed them down, and they found no supplies in Altamira. Santa Anna attacked on the night of August 20. He tried to sneak into the Spanish positions but was not successful. He did manage to pull his troops back safely.

The Final Days of the Battle

More Mexican soldiers kept arriving over the next few days. The Spanish built a fort on the left side of the Panuco River. Barradas kept trying to attack the Mexican positions. But he could not break out into the countryside.

On September 7, a large Mexican group of 5,000 men arrived to help Santa Anna. Meanwhile, Barradas' army was getting weaker. Many soldiers were sick from disease or did not have enough supplies.

On September 8, Santa Anna asked Barradas to surrender completely. The Spanish general refused, which led to more talks. On September 9, a big storm hit both armies. It flooded their defenses and caused many Mexican militia members to leave.

The next day, Santa Anna ordered his trained soldiers to attack the Spanish fort by the river. The attack was pushed back. Mexico lost 127 soldiers and had 191 wounded. Spain lost 104 soldiers and had 66 wounded.

At 3:00 pm that afternoon, some younger Spanish officers decided to write a surrender agreement. General Barradas approved it. The Spanish army had to give up their weapons. They were allowed to go back to Cuba safely. They also had to promise not to fight against Mexico again. Barradas left for New Orleans soon after to arrange transport for his army. Santa Anna was celebrated as a hero in Mexico.

What Happened After the Battle?

The Battle of Tampico was the last major fight between the Mexican Republic and the Spanish Empire. Future Spanish plans to invade Mexico were stopped because of political problems in Spain.

Santa Anna's victory at Tampico made him a very popular hero in Mexico. This popularity greatly helped his political career later on. The defeat of the Spanish expedition convinced many people in Spain that Mexico was truly lost. This made Spain more willing to have peaceful talks with Mexico.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Tampico (1829) para niños