Which admiral did the Spanish government send to defend Cuba and destroy the American fleet in the Caribbean?

The Spanish government sent Admiral Cervera to Cuba with the specific mission of defending the island and engaging the American fleet during the Spanish-American War. Cervera commanded a squadron of ships, including his flagship, the cruiser Vizcaya, with the goal of protecting Spanish interests and asserting naval power in the Caribbean.

His fleet was particularly important as tensions escalated with the United States, which was seeking to intervene in Cuba’s struggle for independence. Cervera’s attempts to confront and neutralize the American naval presence ultimately culminated in the notable Battle of Santiago, where his fleet was heavily defeated. This defeat marked a significant turning point in the war, leading to the decline of Spanish colonial power in the Americas.

The other figures mentioned, such as Dewey, Farragut, and Schley, played significant roles in naval history but were not associated with the Spanish mission regarding Cuba at this time. Dewey is known for his victory in Manila Bay, Farragut for his actions during the Civil War, and Schley for his role in the Battle of Santiago but not as the commander sent to Cuba initially.