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Domingo Batet MestresSpanish military leader, general
Date of Birth: 01.01.1872
Country:  Spain |
Content:
Early Life and Military Career
Josep Maria de Batista i Roca was born in Tarragona, Spain, in 1870. He entered the military academy in 1887 and received his commission as an officer upon graduation.
In 1895, Lieutenant Batista volunteered to serve in Cuba, where he fought against rebels in the Cuban War of Independence. He distinguished himself in battle and was promoted to captain the following year. After the war, he continued his military service in Spain, becoming a colonel in 1919.
Franco's Controversial Report
In 1922, Batista was tasked with investigating the Spanish army's failures in the Rif War. In his report, he accused Captain Francisco Franco of neglecting his troops and seeking glory through ordinary tasks. This criticism did not hinder Franco's future career.
Political Opposition
When General Miguel Primo de Rivera seized power in 1923, Batista initially supported the dictatorship but later became an opponent. He was promoted to brigadier general in 1925 and held important commands in Alicante and Tarragona. However, he was accused of participating in a military plot against the regime in 1926 but was acquitted by the Supreme Military Council.
Catalan Civil War
When Spain became a republic in 1931, Batista commanded troops in the Balearic Islands. He was promoted to divisional general and appointed Captain-General of Catalonia, where he maintained positive relations with civil authorities and respected Catalan autonomy.
On October 6, 1934, the Catalan autonomous government declared independence. Batista remained loyal to the central government and suppressed the uprising, preventing a large-scale conflict. In contrast to the brutal suppression of the Asturian uprising led by Franco, Batista's actions in Barcelona were more restrained, resulting in 46 deaths and 117 injuries.
