Description
Admiral Cervera's Squadron
Book summary
This work is the direct and critical testimony of Víctor María Concas, captain of the flagship of the Spanish squadron at the Battle of Santiago de Cuba. The author recounts the events that led to the destruction of the fleet and the crisis of 1898, pointing to the responsibility of the press and politicians for the disaster. More than just a military chronicle, the book is a personal memoir that denounces the mistakes of others and defends the honor of Spanish sailors, offering a unique perspective on one of the most decisive episodes in Spain's contemporary history.
What is it about?
Víctor María Concas, captain of the Infanta María Teresa, narrates in the first person the events prior to and during the Battle of Santiago de Cuba. The book describes the composition of the squadron, the orders received, and the progression of the combat, during which his ship took 29 hits and suffered 70 casualties. Concas details the final toll of the battle: 350 dead, 160 wounded, and 1,600 Spanish prisoners. However, the core of the text is an indictment of the politicians who, according to the author, led Spain to disaster and later tried to blame the sailors. The work includes a list of casualties of his fallen comrades, whom he describes as victims of others' errors, and openly criticizes the reckless war agitation fueled by the press of the time.
Main themes
- The Spanish-American War and the Crisis of 1898
- Political responsibility in the naval disaster of Santiago de Cuba
- The honor and defense of the performance of Spanish sailors
- Criticism of the warmongering role of the press in public opinion
- War memoirs and first-person historical testimony
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at readers interested in the military and naval history of Spain, especially the period of the 98 Crisis. It will also be of great value to those seeking direct testimony from historical protagonists, as well as to scholars of late 19th-century Spanish politics and the role of the media in armed conflicts.
What this book offers
- A first-hand account of the Battle of Santiago de Cuba, written by the captain of the Spanish flagship.
- A critical and documented vision of the political decisions that led to the naval disaster.
- A defense of the honor and professionalism of the sailors in the face of subsequent accusations.
- An analysis of the influence of the press on public opinion and the escalation of war.
- A human testimony regarding the cost in lives and the suffering of the combatants.
Technical specifications
- Author: Concas, Víctor María
- Publisher: Linkgua Ediciones
- Language: Spanish
- Topic: CLASSIC TEXTS
- Collection: HISTORY
- Binding: Paperback
- Date of publication: January 2021
- Number of pages: 162
- Weight: 100 g
Editorial review
This work constitutes a top-tier historical document, not only for the direct testimony of a high-ranking officer, but for its value as a plea in defense of the Spanish Navy. Concas's critical perspective, which cost him a court-martial, provides a polemical and revealing dimension that enriches the understanding of the 98 Crisis. It is an essential read for those who wish to know the sailors' version of one of the most controversial episodes in the history of Spain.