Charles VII – Historical Context: 1872-1876, the second Carlist war in the Basque Country
The historical context is conditioned by the overthrow of Isabella II in 1868, by the revolution known as “La Gloriosa”. This would give way to a six-year revolutionary period, until the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy by Alfonso XII at the end of 1874. During this period of barely six years, a provisional government, the Savoy monarchy of Amadeo I and the First Republic passed through Spain.
The first Carlist uprising took place in April 1872, but initially in the southern Basque Country, they suffered a crushing defeat. After the battle of Orokieta on May 4, Don Carlos had to flee and hide in southern France. This battle or conflict was the first battlefield action in the history of the Spanish Red Cross.
Charles VII – Carlist King – around February 1905
At the beginning of 1873, Carlism was strengthened again, and on July 16, Don Carlos entered Navarre for the second time, entering through the Zugarramurdi pass. In the second half of 1873, the future king's troops expanded their expansion, entering Estella in August and being defeated in the Battle of Montejurra in November.
Charles VII – King-in-waiting, surrounded by volunteers and Carlist officials – Photograph taken in the vicinity of Tolosa
The war continued for another two long years. The Carlists attempted to take Bilbao in the first months of 1874. After the two attempts of the first Carlist invasion, it was the third attempt to take Bilbao, but like the previous ones it ended in failure. After this event, the fronts stabilized; the Carlists blockaded Pamplona and San Sebastian, again without success, but they achieved victories in the battles of Abarzuza and Lacarre, in mid-1874 and early 1875, against two attempts by the Liberals to take Estella.
As resources on the Carlist side were exhausted and the monarchy and government on the side of Alfonso XII were consolidated throughout 1875, the liberal army launched its final offensive from the beginning of 1876. As a result, Don Carlos was forced to cross the border from the Luzaide side on February 28, accompanied by ten thousand of his loyalists.
After many journeys and adventures, Don Carlos settled in Venice, in the Loredan Palace. He also spent long periods in Viareggio, where his wife Margherita lived.
The current appearance of the Loredan Palace in Venice
Bibliography:
WIKIPEDIA – CARLOS DE BORBON AND AUSTRIA-ESTE – link
WIKIPEDIA – THIRD CARLISTA WAR – link
WIKIPEDIA – MARGARITA DE BORBON PARMA – link
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