 |
Juan Senen ContrerasSpanish general.
Country:
 Spain |
Content:
The Spanish General
In 1787, General Castaños embarked on a fact-finding mission to study the military organizations of England, France, Prussia, Austria, and Russia at the behest of King Charles III. The following year, he participated in the Turkish War, and in 1791, he published an account of both the war and his travels.
The Peninsular War
Upon the outbreak of the Peninsular War between Spain and France in 1807, Castaños organized popular resistance, repelled French General Junot's forces, and with an 11,000-strong army, held off the French at Montrión. At the Battle of Talavera in 1809, he commanded the Spanish contingent on the left flank of the British army, protecting the city of Talavera.
The Defense of Tarragon
As a corps commander, Castaños defended the region between the Tagus and Guadiana rivers, successfully protecting Badajoz. However, he was captured by the French after a valiant defense of Tarragon.
Escape to London
In 1812, Castaños escaped to London, where he published an account of the defense of Tarragon. The work was later included in the Parisian collection "Mémoires relatifs aux révolutions de France et d'Espagne" in 1825.
Return to Madrid
Castaños returned to Madrid in 1814 but withdrew from political life. He continued to be revered for his military service and his contributions to the Spanish resistance during the Peninsular War.
