José Rebolledo de Palafox and Melzi Biography

José Rebolledo de Palafox y Melzi

Spanish military (Zaragoza, 1776-Madrid, 1847).Coming from a noble family, he belonged to the body of the Royal Guards of Corps since 1792.When the French invasion broke out the War of Independence (1808-14), José de Palafox had already been promoted to brigadier; and the popular rebellion of his city proclaimed him captain general of Zaragoza.

José de Palafox (detail of a portrait of Goya)

He immediately summoned the Cortes of Aragon (which had not met for a century), which confirmed in office.He organized the general mobilization for the defense of the city, which withstood two long sieges against Napoleon's troops (1808-09).The city ended up capitulating, against the advice of Palafox, who was taken prisoner and remained confined in Valençay until the end of the war.

Restored to the throne of Fernando VII, Palafox was appointed Duke of Zaragoza, captain general of Aragon, head of the Halberdiers corps, general director of the War Invalids corps, inspector of the Provincial Militias, commander of the Royal Guard and senator of the kingdom.The siege of Zaragoza quickly became one of the most prominent symbols of the Spanish resistance against the French, shrouded in a legend of patriotic heroism.

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