Battle of Cartagena (1643)
In today's world, Battle of Cartagena (1643) has been the subject of increasing interest and debate in various areas. Its impact and influence extend across different fields and contexts, awakening the curiosity and attention of an increasingly diverse public. Its relevance is undeniable in contemporary society, generating reflections, research and discussions in search of understanding its meaning and scope. In this sense, this article aims to address the topic of Battle of Cartagena (1643) in a broad and detailed manner, exploring its multiple facets, implications and challenges that it poses in various areas. The impact of Battle of Cartagena (1643) in different contexts will be analyzed, as well as its evolution over time, offering a comprehensive vision that contributes to enriching the understanding of this topic.
| Battle of Cartagena | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of Franco-Spanish War (1635) | |||||||
&sq=Battle_of_Cartagena_(1643)&lang=en&file=File:Andries_van_Eertvelt_-_Embarkation_of_Spanish_Troops_(1630s).jpg) Paint illustration of embarkation of Spanish Troops | |||||||
| |||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||
 France |
 Spain | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
|
Jean Armand de Maillé-Brézé |
Martín Carlos de Mencos Joos Petersen | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
|
20 galleons 2 frigates 12 fire ships |
29 galleons 14 galleys | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| Low |
10 ships sunk 2 ships captured 3,000 men killed | ||||||
The Battle of Cartagena was a naval battle fought on 3 September 1643, during the Thirty Years' War off Cabo de Gata near Cartagena, Spain.
After a series of victories in 1641 and 1642 the French Navy dominated the Western Mediterranean Sea. France was also in control of most of Catalonia after the Catalan Revolt.
At that time, the Spanish Navy did not dare to show itself off the Catalan coast.
In 1643 the French admiral Jean Armand de Maillé-Brézé sailed south, to search for and destroy the Spanish fleet to extend the dominance of the French Navy in the Mediterranean.
He found a fleet of Dunkirkers under Joos Petersen, ships from Naples and a squadron from the Mar Oceano fleet under Martín Carlos de Mencos.
On 3 September at 7:00 AM Maillé-Brézé attacked with favorable winds and dispersed the enemy fleet. He sank 2 galleons and captured 2 others, while the rest of the Spanish fleet retreated into the port of Cartagena. Here 8 more ships were beyond repair and sank.
The port was closed by the Duke of Fernandina and no Spanish ship left the harbour for more than a year.
All commerce between Spain and Italy was thus made impossible. The victory was short-lived for the French, however, as Spanish dominance in the region returned when the French fleet declined after the death of Cardinal Richelieu.
References
- Henri Martin, Histoire de France, depuis les temps les plus reculés jusqu'en 1789, 1858
- Léon Guérin, Histoire maritime de France, 1851