Cristóbal de Mondragón facts for kids
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Cristóbal de Mondragón y Otálora de Mercado (1514–1596) was a brave Spanish general. He fought during the Eighty Years' War. This was a long conflict in the Netherlands.
He was a very important military leader in the 1500s. Mondragón was a colonel in the Tercios of Flanders. He served under famous commanders. These included the Duke of Alva and Alexander Farnese. He fought against armies led by William of Orange and later Maurice of Nassau.
His clever plans helped Spain win many battles. This was even when Spain's power in the region was starting to fade. Mondragón even invented new military tricks. These included walking through rivers at low tide and using spies.
Contents
Life and Military Career
Mondragón arrived in Flanders in 1544. He stayed there almost his whole life. He learned the local language and married a Flemish woman.
Early Years and First Battles
Cristóbal de Mondragón was born in Medina del Campo, Spain. His family came from the town of Mondragón in Gipuzkoa. His mother's family was very important in Medina del Campo.
He joined the army in 1532. This was during the time of Emperor Charles V. He served as a soldier in many places. These included Italy, Tunisia, and Germany.
Mondragón first showed his bravery at the Battle of Mühlberg in 1547. He fought against Protestants of the Schmalkaldic League. The enemy had destroyed bridges over the Elbe River. Mondragón was part of a group of brave soldiers. On April 24, 1547, they crossed the river. They swam "with the sword in the mouth and chest above water." They captured enemy boats. These boats helped build a bridge for the main Spanish army. This surprise attack helped Charles V and the Duke of Alva win the battle.
Important Commands and Sieges
In April 1559, after the Peace of Cateau-Cambresis, he became governor of Damvillers. This was in the Duchy of Luxembourg. He also became a Walloon colonel of the Tercios. As a colonel, he served under Sancho d'Avila. They faced the first Protestant revolts in Flanders. These were led by William of Orange. By 1569, he defended Liège and Deventer against the Dutch rebels. In 1571, he was made governor of Utrecht.
In 1572, he helped end the siege of Goes. As a reward, the Duke of Alba made him governor of Zeeland. On February 18, 1574, he handed Middelburg over to William the Silent's forces. His Spanish soldiers left with their weapons and honor. Two years later, he successfully attacked Zierikzee. However, his soldiers had not been paid. They later rebelled. Under Alessandro Farnese, he fought in the 1578 Battle of Gembloux. He also took part in the 1579 siege of Maastricht.
Final Campaigns and Death
In 1587, Mondragón became governor of the citadel of Antwerp. But this did not stop him from fighting. His last campaign was in 1595. He was 81 years old then. He helped end Maurice of Nassau's siege of Groenlo. He then tried to fight Maurice of Nassau directly. But Maurice pulled back. Mondragón then chased away Philip of Nassau's cavalry. He captured Philip, who died from his wounds the next day. Cristóbal de Mondragón died of old age in Antwerp on January 4, 1596.
See also
In Spanish: Cristóbal de Mondragón para niños
