Alberto Martín-Artajo facts for kids
Alberto Martín-Artajo Álvarez (born October 2, 1905, in Madrid – died August 31, 1979, in Madrid) was a Spanish lawyer and politician. He worked as a legal expert for the government led by Francisco Franco during and after the Spanish Civil War. He also served as Spain's Foreign Minister from 1945 to 1957.
Martín-Artajo was a monarchist, meaning he supported having a king or queen. He was also a key leader in the Catholic movement within Franco's government. Before the Civil War, during the time of the Second Spanish Republic, he was a member of a political group called the Spanish Confederation of the Autonomous Right (CEDA).
Early Life and Education
Alberto Martín-Artajo went to school at Our Lady of Remembrance College, Madrid. He then studied law at the University of Madrid. In 1931, he became a lawyer for the Council of State, which is an important government advisory body.
During the Republic, Martín-Artajo worked closely with Ángel Herrera Oria. Herrera Oria was the director of a Catholic newspaper called El Debate. Martín-Artajo also belonged to a group called the "National Catholic Association of Propagators of the Faith."
Role in Government
When the Spanish Civil War began in 1936, Martín-Artajo joined the Nationalist side. He became a legal adviser to the Nationalist government's Junta Técnica del Estado (State Technical Council). This council acted like Franco's government cabinet. He also advised the Labor Ministry. In 1940, Generalissimo Franco made him the president of a large Catholic organization called Catholic Action.
In 1945, Martín-Artajo helped write an important document called the "Fuero of the Spanish People." This document was like a mini-constitution for Spain. It listed various rights, freedoms, and responsibilities for citizens.
Foreign Minister
In July 1945, after World War II ended, Franco wanted Spain to be seen as a Catholic country. This was important because other Western countries were avoiding Spain due to its past links to fascism. Franco decided to appoint Martín-Artajo as Minister of Foreign Affairs. After talking with the top Catholic leader in Spain, Cardinal Enrique Pla y Deniel, Martín-Artajo accepted the job. He then left his position at Catholic Action.
As Foreign Minister, Martín-Artajo worked hard to end Spain's isolation from other countries.
- On March 8, 1953, he received the Order of Sikatuna from the Philippines. This award was for his "exceptional and valuable services" to the Philippines. He was the first person to receive this honor.
- In August 1953, he helped sign an agreement with the Vatican (the Holy See). This agreement was called the Concordat.
- The following September, he helped sign a special agreement with the United States called the Pact of Madrid.
- In 1955, Spain was able to join the United Nations, thanks to his diplomatic efforts.
Later Life
After he retired from being the Foreign Minister, Alberto Martín-Artajo continued to work. He served on the Council of State again and also worked for a Catholic publishing company called Editorial Católica. He passed away in Madrid in 1979.
See also
In Spanish: Alberto Martín-Artajo para niños
