Francisco Javier Castaños, 1st Duke of Bailén facts for kids
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Francisco Javier Castaños
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Castaños (c. 1830) wearing the uniform of the Africa Regiment with the Order of the Golden Fleece and the Grand Cross and band of the Order of Charles III and the Laureate Cross of Saint Ferdinand and band.
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| President of the Regency Council | |
| The Duke of Bailén | |
| In office 1 February 1810 – 29 May 1810 |
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| Monarch | Fernando VII |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Pedro de Quevedo y Quintano |
| 1st Speaker of the House of Peers | |
| In office 10 April 1834 – 12 July 1835 |
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| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | The Duke of Ahumada |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Francisco Javier Castaños Aragorri
22 April 1758 Madrid, Spain |
| Died | 22 April 1852 (aged 93) Madrid, Spain |
| Resting place | Pantheon of Illustrious Men (1852–1963) Parish Church of the Incarnation, Bailén (1963–present) |
| Profession | Army general and politician |
| Awards | Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece Grand Cross of the Order of Charles III |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Spain |
| Branch/service | Spanish Army |
| Years of service | 1774–1852 |
| Rank | Captain general |
| Battles/wars | War of the Pyrenees Anglo-Spanish War (1796–1808) Napoleonic Wars Peninsular War |
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Francisco Javier Castaños Aragorri, 1st Duke of Bailén (born April 22, 1758 – died September 24, 1852) was a very important Spanish general and politician. He is best known for his leadership during the Napoleonic Wars. From July to September 1834, he was the first speaker of the House of Peers, which was a part of the Spanish government.
Castaños played a key role in the Peninsular War, a major conflict against Napoleon's forces. In 1810, he even led the Regency Council of Spain, acting as the head of the country. In 1833, he was given the special title of Duke of Bailén. This was to honor his brave actions, especially at the Battle of Bailén.
At the Battle of Bailén in 1808, Castaños led the Spanish army to a huge victory. They defeated the French army led by General Dupont. This was the first time Napoleon's army was beaten in an open battle. This defeat was so significant that it forced Napoleon's brother, King Joseph, to leave Madrid.
A few months later, Castaños's army faced a tough defeat at the Battle of Tudela. After this, he worked with Wellington, a famous British general. Castaños was even ready to lead the Spanish army to invade France in 1815 if needed.
Contents
Life and Career of Castaños
Francisco Javier Castaños Aragorri was born in Madrid, Spain. He began his military career at a young age. He quickly rose through the ranks in the Spanish Army.
Becoming a General
By October 1802, Castaños was promoted to lieutenant general. This was a high rank, and he was one of many important Spanish military leaders at that time. These leaders would later play big roles in the Peninsular War.
Fighting in the Peninsular War
Peninsular War The Peninsular War was a long and difficult conflict. It was fought in Spain and Portugal against Napoleon's French Empire. Castaños became one of Spain's most important generals during this war. His victory at Bailén was a turning point. It showed that the French army could be defeated.
After the Wars
After Napoleon was finally defeated at the Battle of Waterloo, Castaños continued to serve Spain. He was made captain general of Catalonia, a region in Spain.
In 1837, he became a senator for the province of Barcelona. A senator is a member of a country's parliament. He held this position for many years. In 1845, he was appointed a senator for life. This meant he would serve as a senator until he died.
Later Years and Legacy
Francisco Javier Castaños died in Madrid in 1852. He was a very respected figure in Spain. The Queen of Spain, Isabella II, even attended his funeral. His coffin was accompanied by the king consort, Francisco de Asís, Duke of Cádiz. Castaños was first buried in the Pantheon of Illustrious Men. Later, his remains were moved to the Parish Church of the Incarnation in Bailén.
See also
In Spanish: Francisco Javier Castaños para niños
