Joaquín Blake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joaquín Blake y Joyes
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| Born | 19 August 1759 Vélez-Málaga, Spain |
| Died | 27 April 1827 (aged 67) Valladolid, Spain |
| Allegiance |  Spain |
| Commands held | Army of Galicia |
| Battles/wars | |
Joaquín Blake y Joyes (born August 19, 1759 – died April 27, 1827) was an important Spanish military officer. He was known for his brave service in the French Revolutionary Wars and the Peninsular War.
Contents
Early Military Adventures
Joaquín Blake was born in Vélez-Málaga, Spain. His family was noble, and he had some Irish ancestors. His mother was from Galicia.
When he was young, Blake joined the army. He was a lieutenant in the grenadiers, who were special soldiers. He fought in the American Revolutionary War, where Spain helped the American colonies. He took part in the Great Siege of Gibraltar, which was an attempt to take back Gibraltar from the British. He also helped Spain get back Minorca from the British in 1783.
In 1793, a war started with France, called the War of the Pyrenees. Blake was a captain then. He joined the Spanish army that invaded Roussillon, a region in France. He was hurt in a battle at San-Lorenzo-de-la-Muga in 1794.
In 1802, he was promoted to brigadier. This was a high rank in the army.
Fighting in the Peninsular War
Blake kept getting promoted because of his skills in battle. By 1808, when the Peninsular War began, he was a lieutenant general. This war was fought against Napoleon's French army.
Blake was put in charge of the Army of Galicia. This army was supposed to protect Spain's left side in the Cantabrian mountains. Even though his army faced very strong French forces, Blake fought bravely.
On July 14, Blake and another general named Cuesta were defeated at the Medina del Rio Seco. After the French army had to retreat because of a big loss at Bailén, Blake moved his troops to the Ebro River.
On October 31, 1808, French forces attacked Blake's 19,000 men at the Battle of Zornoza. Blake had to retreat, but he did it quickly and in good order. This stopped Napoleon's plan to trap and destroy the Spanish army.
Napoleon was angry and sent his generals to chase Blake. But the French forces spread out too much. On November 5, Blake surprised them at Valmaseda. He suddenly turned around and attacked the French lead division, winning a victory.
However, more French troops joined the chase. Blake had to race west again to avoid being surrounded.
Blake decided to make another stand at Espinosa on November 10. The French general, Victor, attacked Blake's army all day without success. But the next day, a strong French attack broke through Blake's center. His army was defeated and scattered.
Blake lost many men in this battle. He knew his army was badly damaged. He then led a very difficult march west into the hills. He managed to escape the French pursuers. By November 23, he reached Léon with only 10,000 men left. After this, command of the Army of Galicia went to another general.
Battle of Albuera
In 1810, Blake helped create a new Spanish General Staff. This group worked to make the Spanish military more organized. Before this, poor management had caused many problems for Spain's army.
On May 16, 1811, Blake fought the French at Battle of Albuera. He fought alongside a British and Portuguese army led by William Beresford. Blake's Spanish soldiers successfully held their position against a strong French attack. For his bravery, he was promoted to captain general.
Siege of Valencia (1812)
Blake was then sent to eastern Spain. His job was to stop the French general Suchet from attacking Valencia. After several defeats, Blake and his army ended up trapped inside the city. On January 8, 1812, Blake had to surrender with his 16,000 troops. This was a major success for the French army in eastern Spain.
Blake was taken prisoner and sent to the donjon (a strong tower) at Vincennes in France. He was held there until April 1814.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1815, after the wars ended, Blake was made the Chief Engineer of the Spanish Royal Army. He died in 1827 in Valladolid, a city in northwestern Spain.
See also
- In Spanish: Joaquín Blake para niños
