Eugenio Palafox Portocarrero facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eugenio Palafox Portocarrero, Conde de Montijo
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| Born | 12 November 1773 Madrid |
| Died | 18 July 1834 (aged 60) Madrid |
| Allegiance |  Spain |
| Battles/wars | |
Eugenio Eulalio Palafox y Portocarrero (1773–1834) was a Spanish military officer. He was also known as the 7th Count of Montijo and Count of Teba. He played an important part in the Peninsular War, a big conflict in Spain.
Contents
Early Life and Career
Eugenio Palafox Portocarrero was born in Madrid in 1773. When he was 21, in 1794, he became an honorary member of the Real Academia de la Historia. This was a special group for studying history.
He wanted to give a speech about how important noble families were. But a powerful leader named Manuel Godoy stopped him. Because of this, Eugenio was sent away to Toledo, and then to Granada. In Granada, he joined the local army as a lieutenant colonel.
The Peninsular War
The Peninsular War (1807-1814) was a major conflict. It happened when France, led by Napoleon, invaded Spain and Portugal. Spain fought back with help from Britain and Portugal.
1807: Joining the Fight
In 1807, Eugenio was part of a Spanish army group. This group helped the French General Jean-Andoche Junot invade Portugal.
1808: Rising Through the Ranks
In April 1808, Eugenio was promoted to colonel. He moved to a different army group called the Provincial Regiment of Cuenca.
Later in June, he fought in the Battle of Valencia. After that, he led a group of soldiers to help the city of Zaragoza. They were trying to free Zaragoza from a French siege.
On August 15, he was promoted again, becoming a brigadier.
Towards the end of August, Eugenio led his troops towards the Ebro River. He was following orders to push back the French. His soldiers were new and not very experienced. When French cavalry attacked them, Eugenio's group had to retreat. This made the French king, Joseph Bonaparte, think the main attack would come from that area.
Eugenio returned to Madrid in September. He tried to get important noble families to form a new government. But some powerful people, like the Duke of Infantado, disagreed with him.
Eugenio also joined a special military group. This group was watching the movements of a Spanish general named Castaños. They wanted Castaños to attack the French. After a long meeting, they decided to start fighting again.
1809: Battles and Disagreements
In February 1809, Eugenio fought in the Battle of Uclés.
Later that year, Eugenio tried to start a political change in Granada. He had support from other important people. But because of this, he was sent away to San Lucar.
Eugenio was also part of a group that wanted to change the main Spanish government, called the Central Junta. They even asked the British Ambassador for help, but he refused. Eugenio was later put in prison in Seville for being part of this plan.
1810: Escape and New Commands
In January 1810, Eugenio and another leader escaped from prison during a small uprising. Eugenio then joined the Army of Extremadura. But he had disagreements with the generals there. So, in September, he went to Cádiz. By the end of October, he was in Alicante, leading his Provincial Regiment of Cuenca once more.
1811: Victories in the Alpujarras
From June to September 1811, Eugenio fought in the Alpujarras mountains. He won several small battles against French troops. In August, he captured two Polish army groups. He also stopped a large group of 1,500 French soldiers.
After that, he went to Murcia to lead the 1st Division of the 3rd Army. With this army, he fought in the Battle of Saguntum. He also tried to help the city of Valencia when it was under siege.
1812: Final Battles and Promotion
In 1812, the new commander of the 3rd Army called Eugenio back to Alicante. In July, Eugenio fought in the Battle of Castalla.
In November, he received another promotion, becoming a field marshal.
After the War
After the war ended, Eugenio continued his military career. In June 1814, he was made captain general of the Kingdom of Granada. In August 1815, he was promoted to lieutenant general.
In 1819, he was put in prison again. This was because he had connections with people who wanted political changes. But in February 1820, he was released during an uprising. He was then made captain general of Old Castille. However, he was removed from this position quickly and sent to Murcia.
See also
In Spanish: Eugenio Eulalio Palafox Portocarrero para niños
