Military officer; born in
San Sebastian.
Spain, in 1833; entered the army as a lieutenant in 1855: was made a captain in 1858; and in the war with
San Domingo gained promotion to lieutenant-colonel.
In 1894 he wa s sent to the Philippines as governor-general of the province of Mindanao.
His career in the Philippines was characterized by acts of extreme cruelty.
For his service there he was appointed a marshal in 1895.
Unable to quell the rebellion in the islands, he resigned his office, and, returning to
Spain, was assigned to the command of the Army of the
North.
He there made a brilliant record against the Carlists, and carried by storm peña Plata.
For this achievement he was created
Marquis de Peña Plata.
In October, 1897, he succeeded
Gen. Valeriano Weyler (q. v.) as governor-general of
Cuba.
One of his earliest acts after assuming authority there was a reluctant acquiescence in the desire of the people of the
United States, as expressed by their Congress, to provide the reconcentrados with food, clothing, and medical supplies.
President McKinley appointed a Central Cuban Relief Committee to raise funds for purchasing the various articles needed, and these were forwarded to the island and distributed under the direction of
Clara Barton.
When the
Maine was blown up in the harbor of
Havana,
Blanco summoned the troops and firemen of the city to aid in the rescue of the survivors, and expressed
strong regrets on the appalling disaster.
After the
United States made the declaration of war, he assumed command of all troops and military operations on the island.
It has been stated that it was by his imperative commands, supported by orders from
Madrid, of a similar tenor, that
Admiral Cervera (q. v.) made the unsuccessful attempt to escape from Santiago Harbor with his fleet.
After the surrender of the
Spanish army at
Santiago.
Blanco asked to be relieved of his command, on the ground that having urged the Cubans to maintain the war, it would be difficult for him to prepare them for the conditions involved in the protocol of peace.
His resignation was accepted, and the duty of formally transferring
Cuba to the protection of the
United States was devolved upon a subordinate officer.
Blanco returning to
Spain.
See
Cuba. 
