The video is about the story of Blas de Lezo, a legendary Spanish sailor who defended Cartagena de Indias from the English in 1741. The English, led by Admiral Edward Vernon, had planned to conquer Cartagena, the most important port of the Viceroyalty of New Granada, as part of their strategy to cut off the Spanish Empire's jugular and take control of its riches.
Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Blas de Lezo, who had lost a leg, an eye, and an arm in previous battles, devised a plan to defend the city. He dug a moat around the castle, built a trench to prevent the English cannons from getting too close, and sent two of his men to pretend to be deserters and lead the English into a trap.
The English fell into the traps, and the Spanish infantry, led by Blas de Lezo, launched a successful counterattack, causing the English to flee in terror. The battle turned around, and the English were forced to retreat, with many of their soldiers succumbing to the plague.
The video highlights the bravery and ingenuity of Blas de Lezo, who saved Cartagena from the English and defended the Spanish Empire's interests. However, it also notes that Blas de Lezo was forgotten by his country and died alone, while the English admiral was praised and rewarded for his failed campaign. The video ends with an invitation to join the channel and support its content.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The story of Blas de Lezo was written by journalist and historian Fernando Díaz Villanueva over a decade ago.
2. Blas de Lezo is considered one of the most impressive figures of the Spanish 18th century.
3. He lived and died during the reign of Philip V, the first of the Bourbons, around 300 years ago.
4. Blas de Lezo is known for his role in the siege of Cartagena, but his life had more to offer.
5. The Spanish had the fortune of being the first to arrive in America and return to tell the story despite the distance and technological limitations of the time.
6. In less than a century, a large part of the American continent became part of the Spanish empire.
7. The Spanish crown had to fortify the main ports of America and organize a fleet system to transport treasure from America to Spain.
8. The English and French privateers preyed on the Spanish empire for centuries.
9. The English tried to take over Cartagena 18 times but never succeeded.
10. Blas de Lezo was a legendary sailor who had lost a leg, an eye, and an arm in battles against the English.
11. He was called "half-man" by the English, but he earned their respect.
12. In 1741, Admiral Edward Vernon led a fleet of 186 ships and 23,600 men to attack Cartagena de Indias.
13. Blas de Lezo defended the city with just six ships and 3,000 men.
14. The English captured the ship carrying the warning message to the Spanish governor in Havana.
15. Blas de Lezo drew up an ingenious plan to defend the city, including digging a moat and trenches.
16. He sent two of his men to pretend to be deserters and lead the English troops into a trap.
17. The English fell into the trap, and their soldiers were killed by the Spanish infantry.
18. The English retreated, and their artillerymen abandoned their cannons.
19. The plague broke out among the English soldiers, taking its toll in the following days.
20. Vernon ordered a retreat, and the English never returned to Cartagena or Havana.
21. Blas de Lezo died alone of the plague in Cartagena de Indias, and his country forgot him.
22. Nobody knows where he was buried.
23. Cartagena and the Colombians continue to remember Blas de Lezo and keep his memory alive.
24. The English never assembled a larger fleet than the one they used to attack Cartagena until the Normandy Landings two centuries later.