Miguel Cabanellas Spanish military leader, general Date of Birth: 01.01.1872 Country: Spain

1. Early Life and Military Career
2. Cuban Insurgency and Spanish-American War
3. Service in Morocco
4. Rif War and Spanish Military Junta
5. Political Alignments and Military Appointments
6. Spanish Civil War
7. Military Junta and Leadership

Early Life and Military Career

Miguel Manuel Virgilio Joaquín Cabañellas Ferrer was born into a military family in 1872. He graduated from the Tecla College and the Infantry School. In 1894, he joined the Spanish army and was deployed to Cuba, which was a Spanish colony at the time.

Cuban Insurgency and Spanish-American War

During the Cuban Insurgency, Cabañellas participated in numerous battles. He distinguished himself in the Battle of Sabana de San Serapio in 1895 and the Battle of Tumba del Tesoro in 1896. He was awarded several medals for his bravery.

Service in Morocco

In 1909, Cabañellas participated in military operations in Morocco, where he was promoted to major and received several decorations. He played a key role in the creation of the Fuerzas Regulares Indígenas, Moroccan infantry units that fought effectively in defending Spanish territories.

Rif War and Spanish Military Junta

In 1921, Spanish forces suffered significant defeats in Morocco. Cabañellas commanded a column in the counteroffensive that restored control over lost territory. The heavy losses led to the formation of military "juntas of defense," in which Cabañellas participated alongside other officers, including Francisco Franco and Emilio Mola.

Political Alignments and Military Appointments

In 1924, Cabañellas was promoted to divisional general and served as military governor of the Balearic Islands. However, his opposition to the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera led to his removal from active duty in 1926. He supported liberal and republican causes and participated in conspiracies against the dictatorship.

After the monarchy was overthrown in 1931, Cabañellas was reinstated in the army and held various commands. In 1933, he was elected to the Cortes (parliament) as a member of the centrist Republican Radical Party.

Spanish Civil War

In 1936, Cabañellas joined the military conspiracy that led to the Spanish Civil War. He initially hesitated but later declared support for the Nationalists. He secured control of Zaragoza and ordered the arrest of over 360 Popular Front members, including the governor and a general who was later executed.

Military Junta and Leadership

Cabañellas became the chairman of the military junta that led the Nationalist forces. However, his influence was limited due to the presence of other strong-willed generals, such as Franco and Mola. Cabañellas signed a decree replacing the republican flag with the traditional monarchist flag.