Third Carlist War: government summer campaign and Carlist command turmoil

Background. The defeat at Lácar did not stop the Spanish government, which launched another offensive in the summer of 1875. The campaign unfolded against a Carlist command already shaken by internal dissensions, with mistrust spreading through Carlist headquarters as high-ranking officers defected to the government side. The summer push saw two government armies encroach on Carlist territory, prompting harsh measures from both sides.

Summer Operations. Government forces advanced into Navarre under General Jenaro de Quesada's orders. A Carlist army led by General José Pérula was defeated at Treviño on July 7, forcing a retreat. Quesada entered Vitoria unopposed. During the summer and fall, two armies encroached on Carlist territory. Carlists responded with scorched-earth tactics, burning crops and retreating from areas they could not hold against the government's advance.

Carlist Command Turmoil. Internal dissensions led to several Carlist leaders, including Savalls, Mendiri, and Dorregaray, being put on trial for disloyalty or removed from command in 1875. Mendiri was dismissed and replaced by the Count of Caserta as commander-in-chief. Despite commanding 48 infantry battalions, 3 cavalry regiments, 2 engineer battalions, and 100 pieces of artillery, Caserta was unable to halt the government advance.