ESPARTERO, BALDOMERO (1792 1879). A Spanish general and statesman. He was born February 27, 1792, at Granatula in La Man cha, and was educated at the University of Alma gro. Upon the outbreak of the war against Napo leon lie joined the patriot forces and fought until 1814, going the next year to South America. There he served with the Spanish forces throughout the \Var of Liberation waged by the South American colonies. He returned in 1824 to Spain and took a prominent part in the civil conflicts which followed the death of Ferdinand VII. and the accession of Isabella. He rose to be lieutenant general. and twice, as commander-in chief, saved Madrid from the Carlist forces, onee in August, 1836, and again in September, 1837. In 1839 he expelled Don Carlos from Spain, a service for which he was made Duke of Vittoria and Mo•ella and grandee of Spain, after having been created Count of T.uchana for his bravery at Bilbao and Luchana. Ile now became practically military dictator of Spain, allied with the Pro gressist Party, and in after the Queen :Mother Christina was forced to resign the regency, he was appointed by the Cortes in her place. His Government was marked by energy and ability; hut in 1843 a combination of parties naturally inimical to each other, the Republicans and Moderates. overthrew his Government and drove him into exile. He spent four years in
England, and in 1848 returned to Spain. living quietly at Logrofio till 1854, when the wretched despotism and profligacy with which the name of Maria Christina is associated caused an insurrec tion of the people and compelled the Queen 1\lother to leave the kingdom. Espartero, sup ported by the Progressists and General O'Don nell, supported by the Conservatives, now eon dueled a coalition government for two years; lint the Progressists lost their hold in that time, and Espartero gave way (July, 1850 to O'Donnell, whose tenure of office was very brief. In 1857 Espartero resigned his dignity as Senator, and after that time rarely took part in polities. After the Revolution of 1868, which resulted in the expulsion of Queen Isabella, he gave his full adhesion to the Provisional Government, though he took no part in their proceedings. In 1870 lie was induced to become a candidate for the throne of Spain, but withdrew in June of the same year, alleging his age and the division of parties as excuse. in 1875 he adhered to King Alfonso. He died January 9, 1879. Consult: Florez, Espartcro, Ilistoria de so rid(' milhae y politica (Aladrid. 1843-44) ; and Mariana, La regencia de Iialdomcro Espartcro (ib., 1870). See SPAIN.