When the whole world was paying attention to the movements of the United States and Spain, the U.S. Navy made a move that caused an uproar. I don’t know whether it was due to a miscalculation of the time or a problem with the explanation. The U.S. warships blocked it on August 12
The three ports of Havana, Mariel and Santiago in northern Cuba are prohibited from entering or exiting any ship.
This practice of the U.S. Navy was quickly spread to Europe, which caused an uproar in various countries. Because this blockade is completely a military act, what is the difference between taking military actions and undeclared war when war has not been declared?
the difference.
At this time, the U.S. government was also shocked by the navy's actions. It was too late to say anything at this time. Regarding the United States' undeclared war, the media in various European countries even reported on it, allowing the United States to be well exposed in front of the European people.
Face.
Of course, at this time, faced with the United States' undeclared war, the Spanish government has already had no retreat. In order to save Cuba, they even sold the Philippines. What else can they do now except declare war?
So on August 13, Spain officially declared war on the United States.
The Americans who made a mistake, while declaring war on Spain in Congress, also traced the start of the war to August 11. This temporary modification of the start of the war is also confusing enough.
In fact, this can also be seen that the United States is unfamiliar with the rules of war. After all, it has not been used for decades. It is completely normal to be unfamiliar. Just practice it a few times. And this is just a small detail that does not need to be paid attention to. It is really worth paying attention to.
It is still a head-to-head contest between the two parties. At this point, all countries are looking forward to it.
After the declaration of war, the U.S. Army prepared for war with great fanfare, and its pocket-sized army expanded like a balloon. Before the declaration of war, the U.S. Army only had 28,000 troops. According to the U.S. military’s plan, at least 10 U.S. troops would be needed to land in Cuba.
Thousands of people.
So it goes without saying that the recruitment of retired officers and soldiers and reserve officers and soldiers, as well as the procurement of arms, the preparation of supplies, and a series of other tasks are waiting for the army to handle. These tasks make the army very busy, and there are countless mistakes in it.
Although it is very busy, the size of the army is also constantly expanding. From 28,000 people, it has grown to 45,000 people in just ten days. Of course, it can grow so fast thanks to the help of people from all walks of life.
For example, Bonnie La Clemente, the younger brother of Virginia Governor Clemente and an advocate for the liberation of Cuba, with the help of his family and friends, gathered 800 people one week after the war started to form a
1st Virginia Infantry Regiment.
There was also Ayi Wilson of the Wilson family in Georgia, who also organized 600 men within ten days and was named the First Cavalry Battalion of Georgia Volunteers.
It is precisely because of the promotion of these very powerful families in various states that the U.S. Army can be expanded in such a short period of time. Moreover, these people are basically equipped with weapons, and most of them have certain training, as well as supplies and some
All other supplies are carried, which reduces a lot of trouble for the army. It only needs to replenish some heavy equipment such as artillery and other equipment, and an army is initially formed.
However, compared with the vigorous army, the U.S. Navy seems unknown.
In addition to still sending a small fleet to continue to blockade the island of Cuba, the warships of the U.S. Navy were all docked in the Jacksonville Military Port, as if they were quietly waiting for something.
That's right, what the U.S. Navy is waiting for is the arrival of the Spanish fleet.
After the Spanish warships were supplemented by Italy, they have become able to compete with the U.S. Navy. In this case, the U.S. Navy is naturally willing to wait and wait until the Spanish fleet arrives and attack it head-on. As for comparing patience now, this can be considered
What.
Of course, in addition to waiting for the arrival of the enemy fleet and continuing to blockade Cuba, the U.S. Navy is not doing nothing. For example, the Navy has never stopped transporting weapons, ammunition and other supplies to the rebels.
The import of a large amount of American arms and supplies has rekindled the rebellion in Cuba, and the situation in Cuba is getting worse day by day. After all, the combat effectiveness of the Spanish army is doubtful, and there is serious corruption in the military, and its mobility is not very high.
Even under the strict orders of the Cuban Governor Weiler and the garrison commander General Mauro Reveli, the Spanish garrison was still unable to suppress the roaming rebels.
The change in the situation in Cuba is exactly what the United States wants to see. For them, if Cuba is filled with smoke and smoke by the rebels, then Spain must take action, and the best action is, of course, to send a fleet over.
, this is also what the US Navy wants to see.
And the situation is exactly as the United States expected. When Cuba is blocked by the sea and the situation worsens, the Spanish government will certainly not be able to sit still.
In order to protect Cuba, a rich land, Spain even sold the Philippines. Naturally, it did not want to see Cuba in danger.
Therefore, sending the fleet in hand is a very advantageous card. For this reason, Prime Minister Castillo has issued an order to Navy Minister Admiral Cervera, requiring the rescue fleet to set off within a week to rescue Cuba.
Faced with the Prime Minister's strict order, Admiral Cervera could only accept it and ordered the rescue fleet to prepare for departure.
Located in the Port of Serbia in Spain, this is where the Spanish rescue fleet is located. Most of Spain’s elite warships are gathered here, including naturally the warships purchased from Italy. Three of the Turin-class ships are one of the absolute core of the fleet and have been renamed.
The Turin which has been renamed Queen Isabel, the Bari which has been renamed Isabel II, the Palermo which has been renamed Princess Cristina.
There are also two Venice-class patrol ships, the Duke of Ulloa (Venice) and the Marquis of Venardito (Brescia). As well as the Garibaldi-class, Columbus, and Francisco purchased by Spain. Seven ships with the same style
Italian battleships are simply unique in the fleet.
In addition to these seven ships, three Maria Teresa-class cruise ships are also included. This is the first modern cruise ship designed by the British and built in Spain. It has a displacement of 7,000 tons and a power of 13,700 horsepower.
The maximum speed is 20 knots and it is equipped with two 280mm main guns (one in the front and one in the rear) and 10 140mm secondary guns.
In addition, there are some other warships, but these are the ten large warships.
The fleet is commanded by Vice Admiral Cedela, who is currently considered the most capable naval admiral in Spain.
