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Migel KabanelyasSpanish military leader.
Date of Birth: 01.01.1872
Country:  Spain |
Content:
- Miguel Cabanellas: A Seasoned Military Leader
- Cuban Wars and Valor
- Moroccan Campaigns and Leadership
- Spanish-Moroccan Crisis
- Republican and Liberal Leanings
- Involvement in the Civil War
- Support for the Nationalists
- Leadership of the Military Junta
- Franco's Rise
Miguel Cabanellas: A Seasoned Military Leader
Early Life and CareerMiguel Manuel Virgilio Joaquín Cabanellas Ferrer was born into a military family in Spain. His father, Virgilio Cabanellas Tapia, was a captain in the Infantry Regiment of the Navy. Cabanellas attended the Colegio de las Teresas and the Infantry Academy, graduating with a bachelor's degree. He joined the army on May 24, 1894, and was deployed to the Spanish colony of Cuba a few days later.
Cuban Wars and Valor
In 1894, Cabanellas fought his first battle against Cuban rebels seeking independence. He distinguished himself in 1895 at the Battle of Sabana de San Serafino and was awarded the Military Merit Cross, First Class. For his bravery in 1896 at the Battle of Tumbo del Tesoro, he received another medal. In 1897, he was promoted to captain.
Moroccan Campaigns and Leadership
In 1909, Cabanellas participated in combat in Morocco, earning the Cross of Military Merit and the Order of Maria Cristina, First Class. He proposed the creation of the Fuerzas Regulares Indígenas, a local military force that played a crucial role in defending Spanish territories in Melilla and Larache. His leadership and combat prowess led to his promotion in 1911.
Spanish-Moroccan Crisis
In 1921, Spanish troops suffered significant defeats in Morocco, threatening the loss of Melilla. Cabanellas participated in the counteroffensive that lifted the threat and regained part of the lost territory. The crisis led to military dissatisfaction and the emergence of the "Juntas de Defensa" (Defense Committees), which included Cabanellas, Francisco Franco, and others. However, the government curtailed their activities in 1922, and Cabanellas was transferred back to Spain.
Republican and Liberal Leanings
In the 1920s, Cabanellas developed liberal and republican political views. He joined plots against the ruling dictator and participated in the 1929 uprising. After the monarchy's fall in 1931, he was reinstated in the military and appointed Captain-General of Andalusia, where he maintained order. He also commanded Spanish forces in Morocco and became Director-General of the Civil Guard in 1932.
Involvement in the Civil War
In 1933, Cabanellas was elected to the Cortes (parliament) as a member of the centrist Republican Radical Party. He chaired the Defense Commission. In 1936, the Popular Front government returned him to the army, where he held key positions. Despite his liberal leanings and Masonic affiliation, Cabanellas supported the right-wing military conspiracy.
Support for the Nationalists
After the military uprising on July 17, 1936, Cabanellas initially hesitated but declared support for the Nationalists. He secured Nationalist control over Zaragoza, arresting hundreds of supporters of the Popular Front and executing General Miguel Núñez de Prado.
Leadership of the Military Junta
Nationalist leaders initially expected General José Sanjurjo to lead the movement, but his death in a plane crash created a void. Cabanellas, as the most senior general, became the Chairman of the Military Junta. However, his influence was limited, and he lacked direct authority over the troops.
Franco's Rise
In 1936, Cabanellas signed a decree changing the republican flag to the traditional monarchist design. In September, he supported Franco's election as sole leader (caudillo) of the Nationalists. Franco appointed Cabanellas as Inspector-General of the Army, a position he held until his death.
