Luis Orgaz Yoldi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Luis Orgaz Yoldi
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| Birth name | Luis Orgaz Yoldi |
| Born | May 28, 1881 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Kingdom of Spain |
| Died | January 31, 1946 (aged 64) Madrid, Francoist Spain |
| Allegiance | Spain |
| Service/ |
Spanish Army |
| Rank | Lieutenant general |
| Commands held | Canary Islands Spanish Morocco |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Jarama |
Luis Orgaz Yoldi (born May 28, 1881, in Vitoria-Gasteiz – died January 31, 1946, in Madrid) was an important Spanish general. He played a big role in the Nationalist side during the Spanish Civil War. Later, he disagreed with the government of Francisco Franco. Orgaz wanted the king to return to power in Spain.
Early Life and Beliefs
Luis Orgaz Yoldi took part in a military action called the Barranco del Lobo in July 1909. This happened during the Second Melillan campaign.
From a young age, Orgaz strongly supported monarchism. This means he believed Spain should be ruled by a king or queen. Because of his beliefs, he was watched closely by the government of Manuel Azaña. In 1931, Orgaz was put under house arrest. This meant he had to stay in his home. Then, he was sent away to the Canary Islands.
The government's suspicions were not wrong. Orgaz, like many other people who wanted a king, was involved in secret plans. These plans aimed to bring the monarchy back to Spain. He was close to General Emilio Mola. Orgaz joined other important officers in planning against the Popular Front government in early 1936. The Popular Front was a group of left-wing political parties.
Role in the Civil War
When the Spanish Civil War began, Orgaz was put in charge of the Nationalist forces in the Canary Islands. Early in the war, he was one of the first important leaders to agree with Alfredo Kindelán. Kindelán believed the Nationalist side needed one strong leader. Orgaz quickly showed his support for Francisco Franco to take this role.
Orgaz became one of Franco's most trusted advisors. Other key advisors included Kindelán, Nicolas Franco, José Millán Astray, and later, Ramón Serrano Súñer.
In December 1936, Orgaz was given command of the Central Front. He tried to attack the Republican forces, but it failed. This was because the International Brigades, who fought for the Republicans, had many more soldiers. Another attack in January 1937 ended in a draw.
Orgaz was officially in command at the Battle of Jarama. However, the orders to keep fighting came directly from Franco. These orders led to many deaths on both sides. The Italians, who supported the Nationalists, were very critical of the command at Jarama. To make them happy, Franco removed Orgaz from his command. Andrés Saliquet Zumeta took his place.
But this change was not a real punishment for Orgaz. Franco's loyal general quickly became important again. He was given the job of organizing a huge army for the war. Because of this, he led a massive effort to recruit new soldiers in early 1937.
Plans for a Monarchy
After Franco took control, he made Orgaz the High Commissioner and commander-in-chief in Spanish Morocco. But over time, Franco and Orgaz grew apart. By 1941, Orgaz was openly talking about military action against Franco. He realized Franco had no plans to bring back the monarchy.
By March 1942, rumors spread that Orgaz, Kindelán, and General Eugenio Espinosa de los Monteros were about to start a coup. A coup is a sudden, illegal takeover of government. Things went so far that in August 1943, Orgaz told Pedro Sainz Rodríguez he was ready to lead 100,000 men in a rebellion. He said he would do this if Sainz's group, which supported Infante Juan, Count of Barcelona, could get support from the Allies.
Orgaz was not sure how much support he had. So, he gave up his coup plans. Instead, he led an army petition to Franco. This petition asked for the monarchy to be restored. General José Enrique Varela presented it on September 13, 1943. Orgaz also changed his mind because Franco told him he had information about corrupt deals Orgaz made in North Africa. These revelations could have ruined Orgaz's reputation.
Later Years and Death
Orgaz was promoted to Chief of the Defence High Command (Alto Estado Mayor, AEM). This meant he was the chief of staff for the Spanish Armed Forces. This happened right after World War II. Franco made these appointments to bring potential enemies back into his government.
However, Orgaz served less than a year in this position before he died in early 1946. His grandson, Luis Javier Benavides, became a lawyer who worked for labor rights. He was also a member of the illegal Communist Party of Spain. Sadly, he was one of the victims of the 1977 Atocha massacre.
