Gaspar de Vigodet facts for kids
Gaspar de Vigodet (born 1764, died 1837) was a Spanish soldier. He was the last Royalist Governor of Montevideo. This means he was the last leader of Montevideo who supported the King of Spain during a time of big changes in South America.
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Early Military Adventures
In September 1782, Vigodet joined the army as a young cadet. He took part in the Great Siege of Gibraltar. This was a long battle where Spain tried to take back Gibraltar from the British. The next month, he moved to the Murcia Regiment. By 1783, he became a second lieutenant.
In 1791, he was sent to Oran, a city in North Africa. He was promoted to lieutenant that same year.
After returning to Spain, he joined the Army of Rosellón. He fought in many battles during the War of the Pyrenees. This war was between Spain and France. In 1793, he fought at Villelongue-dels-Monts and the Battle of the Black Mountain. He also fought at Port-Vendres, St. Elme, and Collioure. The next year, he bravely defended St. Elme. He was wounded three times by swords and once by a bayonet. He was taken prisoner but was promoted to captain in July.
In February 1797, Vigodet was on a huge warship called the Conde de Regla. He took part in the Battle of Cape St. Vincent. Later that month, he helped defend Cádiz. He served with Admiral Mazarredo's fleet in Brest, France. He returned to Spain in 1802.
In May 1805, he became a captain of fusiliers in the Africa Regiment. Fusiliers were soldiers armed with muskets. In February 1806, he was named commander-in-chief of Paraguay. However, he could not take this job. This was because of the war against England.
Fighting in the Peninsular War
The Peninsular War was a big conflict in Spain and Portugal. It was part of the Napoleonic Wars. When the war began, Vigodet joined General Castaños's staff. He fought in the Battle of Bailén. He was promoted to colonel the next month. He then went on to fight in the Battle of Tudela.
In January 1809, Vigodet served under General Venegas at Uclés. He also served under the Duke of Alburquerque at Mora and Consuegra. He was promoted to Infantry brigadier in March.
In June 1809, Vigodet commanded the 2nd Division. This division had about 4,667 soldiers. They were part of General Venegas's Army of La Mancha. The division fought at Almonacid in July. They also fought at Ocana in November. Both of these battles were defeats for the Spanish forces.
Governor of Montevideo
In July 1810, Gaspar de Vigodet was made Governor of Montevideo. His job was to stop the advance of rebel forces. These rebels wanted independence for the Río de la Plata region. By October 1812, the rebels controlled almost the entire area. Only the city of Montevideo itself remained under Spanish control. The city was then under a long siege. On December 31, Vigodet tried to break out of the city. However, he was defeated in the Battle of Cerrito.
Montevideo continued to hold out because it received supplies by sea. But on May 17, 1814, Admiral William Brown won important naval battles. These victories cut off Montevideo's supply route. The city faced starvation. By the end of June, Vigodet had no choice. He was forced to surrender Montevideo to General Carlos María de Alvear.
After this, Vigodet stayed in Río de Janeiro for some years. He tried to get revenge on Alvear, who was also in exile there. They had political disagreements.
Later Years and Exile
In 1817, Vigodet was appointed Captain-General of Castille. This was an important position in Spain. He also became a member of the Liberal Regency. This was a group that ruled Spain for a short time. It happened during a period called the Trienio Liberal.
When King Ferdinand VII of Spain returned to power in 1823, Vigodet went into exile. He lived in France. He could only return to Spain in 1834. This was after the King had passed away.
See also
- Second Siege of Montevideo
- Dissolution of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata
In Spanish: Gaspar de Vigodet para niños
