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Battle of Las Guasimas
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The Battle of Las Guasimas, the first true clash of arms in the Cuban campaign of the Spanish-American War, was a bloody skirmish which ended indecisively in favor of Spain on June 24, 1898.
BackgroundA contingent of Spaniards, having fought a skirmish with American landing forces near Siboney, Cuba on June 23, had retired to their lightly entrenched positions at Las Guasimas and repulsed American and Cuban raids with some difficulty. The task of dislodging the enemy fell to former Confederate cavalry officer Major General "Fighting" Joe Wheeler. He was in overall command of the division that included the 1st US Volunteer cavalry, or Rough Riders, 1st Regular Cavalry, and the 10th Regular Cavalry of the African-American Buffalo Soldiers, who marched his force out from Siboney the next day.
BattleThe battle commenced with the opening volley of American artillery. Spanish infantry returned fire, peppering advancing American regiments with rifle shots. Despite the enemy's bright white uniforms, many American troops had difficulty locating Spanish soldiers, whose 1893 Mauser rifles fired modern smokeless propellants. Heavy foliage resulted in only light casualties on both sides.
Having bloodied the advancing Americans to their satisfaction, the Spanish embarked on their planned retreat in the direction of Santiago. American casualties, amounting to almost 10% of those engaged, were fairly heavy considering the battle's short duration.
AftermathThe American force briefly occupied Las Guasimas in anticipation of a counterattack that never came. Finding the position of minimal strategic importance, they buried their dead and withdrew, plagued by minor outbreaks of influenza.
In fictionThis engagement was featured in the movie Rough Riders starring Tom Berenger as Theodore Roosevelt. The film depicts it as an American success.
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