Key Facts
- Date
- 23–24 December 1836
- Location
- Luchana district, banks of the Asúa River, Bilbao
- Result
- Carlist siege of Bilbao lifted
- Conflict
- First Carlist War
Strategic Narrative Overview
By late 1836, Carlist forces had placed Bilbao, a vital Basque port and Isabelino stronghold, under siege, cutting off its water and land supply routes. An Isabelino relief force moved to break the siege, engaging Carlist troops on the night of 23 December 1836 along the banks of the Asúa River at the district of Luchana, in the parishes of Deusto and the municipality of Erandio where the Asúa meets the Nervión.
01 / The Origins
The First Carlist War (1833–1840) erupted in Spain over the succession to the throne following the death of Ferdinand VII. Supporters of the Infante Carlos contested the reign of the infant Isabella II, backed by her regent mother Maria Christina. The Carlists drew strong support from conservative, rural, and clerical factions, particularly in the Basque Country, Navarre, and Aragon, while the Isabelino liberals controlled the major cities and coastal regions.
03 / The Outcome
The Carlists were defeated at the Battle of Luchana, and the siege of Bilbao was lifted on 24 December 1836. The relief of Bilbao was a significant Isabelino success, securing the city and dealing a blow to Carlist efforts to dominate the Basque Country. The First Carlist War continued until the Convention of Vergara in 1839, which ended major hostilities.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.