HACIA LA GUERRA CIVIL 7. EL DESASTRE DE ANNUAL (2/5), LA COMANDANCIA GENERAL DE MELILLA

Introduction

The speaker welcomes the audience and encourages them to contribute their knowledge and experiences on the topic of "annual." They mention that the previous video covered the background information, which is important for understanding the context.

Importance of Audience Contribution

• The speaker appreciates comments and contributions from viewers who are experts or have knowledge about the topic.

• They encourage sharing personal experiences or historical knowledge related to annual.

Background Information

The speaker mentions that they will provide a brief overview of the previous video for those who haven't watched it yet. They also highlight the varying numbers mentioned in different sources regarding casualties during annual.

Casualty Numbers

• There are conflicting reports on casualty numbers, ranging from 13,000 to 8,500 deaths.

• Approximately 25,000 soldiers were stationed in Melilla, with around 20,000 directly involved in combat operations.

• The positions were spread out across various locations, including key tactical points and smaller detachments.

Prelude to Disaster

The speaker discusses how the disaster unfolded and provides some details about the positions held by Spanish forces.

Atomization of Positions

• Spanish forces had approximately 19,000 to 20,000 soldiers defending around 11,373 positions.

• Some positions were considered fundamental while others were smaller detachments.

• Due to difficult terrain and lack of direct access to water sources, these positions required regular resupplying.

Strategic Importance of Terrain

The speaker explains why controlling certain strategic points was challenging due to geographical factors such as mountainous terrain and limited water sources.

Challenging Terrain

• The region was characterized by mountains and scarce water resources.

• Maps may show rivers but they are usually dry riverbeds during July.

• Positions were located at higher altitudes, making access to water difficult.

• Regular resupplying of water and other necessities was necessary.

Combat Experience of Rifian Tribes

The speaker highlights the combat experience and tactics employed by the Rifian tribes, who were known for their resistance against Spanish forces.

Combat Experience

• The Rifian tribes had a long history of combat experience, passing down tactics from generation to generation.

• During periods of unemployment in their own territories, they would migrate to Algeria as temporary workers.

• These tribes were particularly combative and had a reputation for resisting foreign forces.

Spanish Expansion and Silvestre's Role

The speaker briefly mentions General Silvestre's role in African campaigns and the expansion of Spanish presence in the region.

General Silvestre

• General Silvestre gained significant experience in African campaigns.

• Spanish troops expanded their presence in areas like Nador, where mineral extraction took place.

• Nador gradually developed as part of Spain's advancement since 1909.

Conclusion

The speaker concludes the video by summarizing key points discussed regarding the disaster at Annual and setting the stage for further exploration of the topic.

Summary

• The disaster at Annual resulted from various factors such as atomized positions, challenging terrain, and experienced resistance from Rifian tribes.

• Understanding these factors is crucial for comprehending the context surrounding this historical event.

The Rivalry between Silvestre and Berenguer

This section discusses the rivalry between General Silvestre and General Berenguer, who were both high-ranking military officials in Africa. Despite being friends and former colleagues, their rivalry becomes evident when Silvestre has to ask for help from Berenguer during critical moments.

The Rivalry Unveiled

• Silvestre hesitates to ask for help from Berenguer as he does not want to be seen as inferior.

• Berenguer remains unaware of the severity of the situation due to Silvestre's casual approach in seeking assistance.

Lack of Awareness and Collapse

This section highlights how Silvestre's failure to communicate effectively with Berenguer leads to a lack of awareness about the deteriorating situation in the command post. As a result, the collapse of the command post occurs without timely intervention.

Failure to Recognize the Gravity of the Situation

• Silvestre downplays the seriousness of the situation when requesting assistance from Berenguer.

• This lackadaisical approach prevents Berenguer from fully understanding what is happening at the command post and in eastern territories.

Crossing River Ameca and its Implications

This section focuses on crossing River Ameca as a turning point in the conflict. It was warned that crossing this river would have significant implications, but it was disregarded until it led to disastrous consequences.

Ignoring Warnings and Consequences

• Crossing River Ameca was considered a limit that would mark a turning point in operations.

• Despite warnings by Abdelkrim, crossing this river implied severe consequences that were initially underestimated.

Limited Combat and Low Morale

This section discusses the limited combat and low morale among troops leading up to the events at Annual.

Lack of Significant Combat

• Prior to the events at Annual, there were minimal combat engagements, with only occasional minor hostilities.

• Despite the presence of regular units and indigenous troops, morale remained low.

Troop Composition and Leadership

This section provides an overview of the composition of troops and leadership in the region.

Indigenous Troops and Regular Units

• The indigenous troops, known as "policía indígena," were led by Colonel Morales, who had a significant relationship with Abdelkrim.

• There were also regular troops in the area, but they differed in loyalty compared to the police forces. The regular troops were more loyal than the police forces.

Troop Distribution and Objectives

This section discusses troop distribution between Melilla and Ceuta command posts and their objectives.

Troop Distribution Challenges

• Melilla had only one group of regular troops consisting of four infantry regiments.

• Ceuta had more resources for operations, making it necessary for Silvestre to hold his position until reinforcements could be sent from Ceuta.

Objective: Reaching Alhucemas

• Silvestre's primary objective was to reach Alhucemas Bay.

• The plan involved reinforcing positions from Ceuta once objectives in Ceuta were achieved.

Contextualizing Spain's Military Situation

This section provides context on Spain's military situation during that period.

Crisis in Spanish Army

• In 1921, Spain faced a military crisis similar to the one in 1909.

• The army was demoralized, and there was an economic crisis due to inflation and excessive promotions.

Excessive Number of Generals

This section highlights the issue of having an excessive number of generals in the Spanish army.

Overabundance of Generals

• The Spanish army had over 800 generals, which was disproportionate to the size of the army.

• This overabundance caused difficulties in managing and deploying troops effectively.

Lack of Available Divisions for Help

This section discusses the lack of available divisions to provide assistance during critical moments.

Inability to Mobilize Divisions

• When Silvestre requested help, there were no available divisions that could be mobilized within a short timeframe.

• The soldiers were already enlisted, including those who paid a fee for shorter service periods.

Economic Disparity and Recruitment

This section explores the economic disparity between soldiers and workers, as well as recruitment practices.

Economic Disparity and Recruitment Practices

• Spain faced an economic crisis with high inflation.

• Soldiers from rural areas faced significant financial burdens compared to workers in urban areas.

• Despite this disparity, poorer individuals were more likely to join the military due to limited opportunities elsewhere.

The Cost and Conditions of the Campaign

This section discusses the high cost and poor conditions faced during the campaign.

High Cost and Justification

• The campaign required setting up a costly operation, including a chiringuito (makeshift camp) to justify their work.

• The expenses were exorbitant, with little justification for such high costs.

• The Xerez army was also not in its best technological state.

Poor Conditions and Morale

• The troops lived in tents with poor hygiene conditions.

• Drinking water from barrels that quickly turned bad due to the hot weather.

• Many soldiers fell ill, suffering from diseases like typhoid fever.

• Living in small, cramped positions with no proper sanitation facilities made it unpleasant.

Number of Troops

• It is unclear how many troops were present at the main post, but there were around 4,000 soldiers when they started retreating from smaller positions.

• Approximately 2,300 men were present at Anual during this time. There were no women or support troops.

Command Structure and Travel Challenges

This section discusses the command structure and challenges faced during travel between different positions.

Dispersed Troops and Command Structure

• Regiments had multiple battalions led by different commanders, resulting in mixed units under different colonels.

• Colonels did not have direct control over all troops due to their dispersed nature.

Travel Challenges

• Relieving troops involved traveling approximately 90 kilometers on difficult roads that could take up to 8 or 10 hours.

• Rainy weather made travel even more challenging.

Logistics Challenges

This section highlights the logistical challenges faced during the campaign.

Supplying Dispersed Troops

• The logistics of supplying 11,000 dispersed troops in 73 different locations was a significant challenge.

• Most logistics were dependent on horses and animal-drawn carts.

• The aerodrome in Zeluán had only a few functioning planes.

Correspondence with the King

This section discusses the direct correspondence between Silvestre and the King.

Direct Communication with the King

• Silvestre bypassed the High Commissioner and directly corresponded with the King.

• Silvestre considered himself equal to the High Commissioner and wrote to the King frequently, using phrases like "olé los hombres" (hail to brave men).

The summary is based on selected parts of the transcript.

Controversial Figure - Alfonso XIII

This section discusses the controversial figure of Alfonso XIII, who was ultimately exiled due to his poor management and allowing dictatorship. While he is criticized for his actions, there are also incredible things attributed to him.

Alfonso XIII's Controversies

• Alfonso XIII's controversial figure stems from his defeat and subsequent exile due to his poor management and allowing dictatorship.

• He is criticized for permitting a dictatorship, which is considered one of his most condemned political actions.

• Despite the criticism, many incredible things are attributed to him, such as a phrase he allegedly said when several prisoners fell during a campaign.

Antimilitarism and Political Influence

This section explores the concept of antimilitarism and its political influence during that time. It also highlights how Alfonso XIII's actions facilitated the downfall of the monarchy.

Types of Antimilitarism

• There were two types of antimilitarism during that period.

• The logical type was prevalent among individuals living in rural areas with minimal exposure to military life.

• The second type was political antimilitarism driven by the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE).

Facilitating the Fall of Monarchy

• Alfonso XIII's actions aimed to facilitate the fall of monarchy, particularly by appeasing republican parties.

• His decisions favored anti-monarchist sentiments within various political factions.

Spain's Backward Regions

This section focuses on Spain's backward regions during that time, highlighting examples like Hurdes and Cáceres. These regions faced extreme poverty and isolation.

Extreme Poverty and Isolation

• Some regions in Spain, such as Hurdes in Cáceres, experienced extreme poverty and isolation.

• The video mentions a remarkable YouTube documentary showcasing Alfonso XIII's visit to Hurdes, where he had to travel on foot and horseback due to the lack of proper transportation.

Antimilitarism and Political Demagoguery

This section delves into the political aspect of antimilitarism, particularly driven by the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE). It also discusses how Spain was obligated to fulfill its commitments in North Africa.

Obligations in North Africa

• Spain was obliged to fulfill its commitments in North Africa, primarily due to France's expansion in the region.

• While France had established presence in Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco, Spain only had a small territory.

PSOE's Political Demagoguery

• The PSOE played a significant role in promoting political demagoguery against militarism.

• They criticized Spain's obligations in North Africa while emphasizing that Spain should prioritize fulfilling its commitments within its own borders.

Alfonso XIII's Legend and Luck

This section explores Alfonso XIII's legend and luck. It highlights his belief that he possessed "baraka" or luck, which contributed to his survival despite being wounded. Franco's soldiers also believed this about him.

Belief in Luck and Survival

• Alfonso XIII believed he possessed "baraka" or luck, which allowed him to survive even when bullets came close.

• This belief is shared by Franco's soldiers who fought alongside him.

Rush for Expansion - Auténtica Debacle

This section discusses Alfonso XIII's rush for expansion and his desire to fulfill the July 25th deadline, which ultimately led to a disastrous outcome.

Rush for Expansion

• Alfonso XIII had a strong desire to expand Spain's territories.

• He was obsessed with fulfilling the July 25th deadline, leading to hasty actions and decisions.

Auténtica Debacle

• The rush for expansion resulted in an authentic debacle or disaster.

• Alfonso XIII's impulsive actions contributed to the disastrous outcome.

Next Video Preview - Anual

This section provides a preview of the next video, which will focus on the events surrounding Anual. It mentions that the following video will include more visuals and maps.

Next Video Content

• The next video will cover the events related to Anual.

• It promises more visuals, graphics, and maps to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic.