La guerra de África 1859-1860

Spanish-Moroccan War of 1859

The transcript discusses the Spanish-Moroccan War of 1859, detailing the background, motivations, and events leading to the conflict between Spain and Morocco.

Background of Conflict

• Since 1840, Spanish cities in North Africa faced attacks from Moroccan groups.

• In August 1859, Riffians attacked a Spanish detachment near Ceuta, prompting Spain to demand retribution from the Sultan of Morocco.

Spanish Decision for War

• With no response from Morocco, Spain declared war in October 1859 to secure unity and defense against Berber and Ottoman attacks.

• Ceuta and Melilla were strategic points for Spain due to Mediterranean control and defensive security.

Contextual Setting

• Incursions by Riffians occurred during the Moderate Decade (1843-1844), leading to Spanish troop attacks in Ceuta and Melilla.

• Treaties signed in Tanger (1844) aimed at restoring territorial limits but failed due to continued Riffian aggression.

Treaty of Tetuan and Escalation

This section delves into the Treaty of Tetuan's signing in 1859 between Spain and Morocco, subsequent provocations, and the escalation towards war.

Treaty of Tetuan

• The Treaty of Tetuan was signed in 1859 with clauses ensuring non-aggression towards specific Spanish territories.

• Construction of fortifications near Ceuta led to tensions as Morocco viewed it as provocation.

Escalation Towards Conflict

• A Kabyle attack on Spanish soldiers heightened tensions; demands for retribution were unmet by the Sultan.

• Public pressure in Spain demanded a strong response; after Sultan's death, his son favored war with Spain for personal gain.

Preparation for War

This part focuses on Spain's preparations for war with Morocco following public support and political decisions.

Military Preparations

• Government sought approval from Cortes to send troops to Africa; debates centered on financing through taxes or loans.

Recruitment Efforts

• Extraordinary laws were passed for recruitment; increased redemption quotas aimed at bolstering expedition forces.

Diplomatic Interactions

Desarrollo de la Guerra de África

The transcript details the events surrounding the War of Africa, focusing on the strategic movements and battles during the reign of Queen Isabel II.

Protagonists and Initial Operations

• The intrigues during Queen Isabel II's reign led to war declarations and military operations starting on November 19th.

• General Echagüe's army landed in Ceuta, initiating fortification works to protect the city and expeditionary forces.

Preparation for Offensive

• Additional forces gradually arrived at the expeditionary army's camps after two months of defending Ceuta.

• O'Donnell strategizes with his generals, dividing the army into three corps to advance towards Tetuán as the primary objective.

Advance Towards Tetuán

• Prim leads a vanguard division towards Castillejos before dawn on January 1st to secure heights overlooking Tetuán.

• Pink's division, including infantry, engineers, and cavalry, advances towards Castillejos early morning but faces Moroccan attacks.

Battle at Castillejos

The battle unfolds as Spanish troops engage Moroccan forces near Castillejos in a fierce confrontation.

Spanish Advance and Engagement

• Prim's troops push back Moroccans from heights near Castillejos despite initial enemy resistance.

• Spanish hussars pursue Moroccan cavalry but fall into an enemy trap, leading to a deadly battle.

Heroism and Sacrifice

Amidst intense fighting, acts of heroism and sacrifice shape the outcome of the battle at Castillejos.

Heroic Acts Amidst Adversity

• Count Reus displays bravery by seizing a Moroccan flag despite intense combat conditions.

The Tetuán Campaign and Its Aftermath

The transcript discusses the Tetuán campaign, detailing key events such as battles, negotiations, and the aftermath of the conflict.

Montenegro's Detainment and Army Preparation

• On January 14th, due to shortages and poor weather conditions, the army halted in Montenegro.

• By January 17th, the army positioned near the Martín River to prepare for conquering Tetuán.

Assault on Tetuán and Negotiations

• February 4th marked O'Donnell's attack on Tetuán leading to Spanish forces defeating Moroccan troops.

• Post-battle negotiations failed, resulting in further clashes like the Battle of Samhsa on March 11th.

Pursuit of Second Strategic Objective

• O'Donnell shifted focus to a new target city on March 23rd by moving along the Martín River towards Wad-Ras.

• The war culminated in Wad-Ras battle where Spanish forces triumphed over Moroccan troops.

Conclusion of War and Peace Treaty

• Peace was established on March 25th between O'Donnell and Moroccan leaders after signing a treaty.

• Despite casualties, O'Donnell's leadership united parties during wartime.

Aftermath: Treaties and Recognitions

This section delves into post-war developments including treaties, recognitions, and honors bestowed upon key figures.

Treaty of Borrás and Consequences

• In April 1860, the Treaty of Borrás was signed outlining terms like prisoner exchange and territorial acknowledgments.

Honors and Titles

• Notable recognitions included titles like Duke of Tetuán for O'Donnell and Marquess of Los Castillejos for General Prim.

Failed Uprising & Carlist Movement

• A failed uprising led by General Ortega aimed at placing Count de Montemolín Cabrera on the throne faced resistance.

Carlist Rebellion Attempt

Desertion and Abdication in the Carlist War

The discussion revolves around the events leading to desertions and abdications during the Carlist War, involving individuals like Juan de Borbón Braganza and their decisions regarding the throne.

Desertion of Key Figures

• Individuals were exiled in exchange for renouncing the throne due to their involvement in the San Carlos de la Rápita uprising.

• Mention of figures such as the Countess of Montijo, the French government, members of the government, and King Francisco de Asís being linked to this rebellion.

Abdication by Juan de Borbón Braganza

• On July 2, 1860, Juan de Borbón Braganza asserts his rights while simultaneously renouncing armed conflict and absolutism.

• His brothers Carlos Luis and Fernando also retract their claims in January 1861; Carlos Leal and Fernando pass away without heirs.

• Juan proclaims himself as the legitimate successor but renounces both his claim to the Spanish throne for himself and his descendants.

Juan de Borbón's Legacy

This segment delves into Juan de Borbón's actions post-abdication, including his requests to Queen Isabel II regarding his children's education and his life in exile.

Post-Abdication Actions

• Juan relinquishes any claim to the Spanish throne for himself and future generations.

• He appeals to Queen Isabel II to secure his children's return from Austria due to concerns about their upbringing conflicting with his beliefs.