Background
Ramón was born on 15 September in 1883 in San Sebastián, Spain.
colonial administrator brigadier
Ramón was born on 15 September in 1883 in San Sebastián, Spain.
Ramón began his military career in 1855, and in 1858 was promoted to the rank of captain. For his distinguished services in the war with Santo Domingo, he was made a lieutenant colonel. Blanco y Erenas served in Cuba from 1868 to 1877, during Cuba's first struggle for independence; in Catalonia, Spain, from 1877 to 1879, in 1882, and from 1887 to 1893; and as governor of Mindanao Island in the Philippines from 1894 to 1896. He served often in Cuba and was twice governor-general of that island, first in 1879 to 1881 and again from 1897 to 1898, in place of Gen. Valeriano Weyler y Nicolau. His appointment in 1897, supported by liberal political forces, marked a reversal in Spain's policy toward Cuba. Whereas Spain's attitude had been uncompromisingly severe during Weyler's tenure of office, Cuba was now offered autonomy under Spanish sovereignty. But Spain's efforts at conciliation failed, and Blanco found himself governor-general of Cuba during the Spanish-American War. It was he who, from his headquarters in Havana, ordered Admiral Pascual Cervera y Topete to leave the harbor of Santiago de Cuba, when he judged that the town was in imminent danger of falling into the hands of American troops, commanded by General W. R. Shafter. When the Spanish vessels emerged from the harbor, they were destroyed by the American naval forces that were blockading them. After negotiating the surrender of the island of Cuba, General Blanco returned to Spain and engaged in philanthropic works. He died in Madrid on April 4, 1906.
Ramón served as captain-general of Navarre after taking part in the 1876 offensive in the valley of Baztan; he acquired his marquisate during this time. He was sent to Cuba as captain-general in April 1879, and was involved in the Little War. He returned to Spain in November 1881 and served as Captain General of Catalonia and Extremadura.
