Agustín Argüelles facts for kids
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Agustín Argüelles (born August 18, 1776, in Ribadesella, Asturias; died March 26, 1844, in Madrid) was an important Spanish politician. He believed in liberal ideas, which meant he wanted more freedom and rights for people. He was even chosen twice to be the president of the Congress of Deputies, which is like being the leader of the Spanish Parliament.
Biography
Agustín Argüelles studied Law at the University of Oviedo. After finishing his studies, he worked as a secretary for the bishop of Barcelona.
In 1809, he became a secretary for a special group called the Royal Junta of the Treasury and Legislation. This group was important during the Peninsular War, also known as the War of Independence.
He became a member of the Cortes of Cádiz. This was a special parliament that met during the war. Argüelles was a key person in writing the Constitution of 1812. This was a very important document that set out new rules for Spain.
Argüelles was part of the liberal group in the parliament. He supported many new ideas, such as:
- Allowing people to speak freely and have a free press.
- Having a free-market economy, where businesses could trade more easily.
- Ending torture.
- Stopping the slave trade.
- Taking away the special powers of noble families over their lands.
He was known for being a great speaker in the parliament.
In 1814, the War of Independence ended. Ferdinand VII returned to Spain and became an absolute monarch. This meant he had all the power. Because Argüelles was a liberal, he was put in prison. First, he was held in Ceuta, and later in Alcudia in Majorca.
Things changed in 1820 when there was a revolt led by Riego. This period was called the "Trienio Liberal" (Three Liberal Years). Argüelles was then made minister of the Interior. He led the more moderate part of the liberal party. He resigned in 1821 but was elected to the parliament again in 1822.
In 1823, the absolute monarchy returned to power. Argüelles had to leave Spain and went to Britain. He came back in 1834 when Queen Regent Maria Christina signed a new law called the Estatuto Real.
He was elected to the Spanish Parliament again. He went back to his earlier, more progressive liberal ideas. He supported Mendizábal's government in 1835. He also supported Mendizábal's policy of taking church lands for the government.
After a revolution in 1836, Argüelles helped write the Spanish Constitution of 1837. This new Constitution was more liberal than the previous one, but not as much as the 1812 Constitution. Argüelles and Olózaga hoped that more moderate liberals would accept it.
In 1840, Queen Regent Maria Christina resigned. The parliament had to decide who would be the new regent for the young Queen Isabella II. They considered having one or three regents, and Argüelles was one of the people discussed. In the end, General Espartero was chosen as the only Regent.
Even though Espartero was Regent, Argüelles was chosen to be the legal guardian of Queen Isabella II. This meant he was in charge of her education and care. Queen Maria Christina, who was in Paris, protested this decision. Argüelles stopped being the Queen's guardian in 1843. This happened when Espartero resigned as Regent, and the parliament decided that the 13-year-old queen was old enough to rule on her own.
Agustín Argüelles was also a freemason.
Legacy
The Argüelles neighborhood in Madrid is named after him. The Argüelles metro stop is also named in his honor.
See also
In Spanish: Agustín Argüelles para niños
