Bernardo de Irigoyen facts for kids
Bernardo de Irigoyen (born December 18, 1822 – died December 27, 1906) was a very important Argentine lawyer, diplomat, and politician. He played a big role in shaping Argentina during the 1800s, especially in setting up laws and defining the country's borders.
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Early Life and Legal Career
Bernardo de Irigoyen was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He studied law at the University of Buenos Aires. In 1843, he earned his law degree.
After finishing his studies, he started working for the government. From 1844 to 1850, he served as the Justice Minister in Mendoza Province. During this time, he created the first official court system for the province. He also helped make new laws about the military and how land was owned.
Working for Argentina's Borders
Bernardo de Irigoyen was known for his skills in diplomacy. This means he was good at talking with other countries to solve problems.
Solving Border Disputes
He was asked by Governor Juan Manuel de Rosas to help settle a disagreement about the border with Chile. Later, in 1851, he talked with Chile again about the Straits of Magellan. These were important waterways.
After Governor Rosas was no longer in power, Irigoyen helped write the San Nicolás Agreement in 1852. This agreement was a big step towards uniting Argentina.
Helping Create the Constitution
He also took part in the group that helped create Argentina's constitution. This led to the country becoming more unified in 1860. He was even asked to join the highest court in Argentina, the Argentine Supreme Court, but he chose to go back to his private law practice instead.
Return to Public Service
Irigoyen came back to public life in 1870. He became a lawmaker for his province.
Minister of Foreign Affairs
In 1875, President Nicolás Avellaneda chose him to be the Minister of Foreign Affairs. In this role, he worked on important agreements with Brazil and Paraguay. These agreements helped define the borders after the Paraguayan War.
Federalizing Buenos Aires
In 1879, he became the Minister of Internal Affairs. During this time, he helped create the plan to make Buenos Aires a federal city in 1880. This meant Buenos Aires would be the capital city for the whole country.
President Julio Roca later asked him to be the Foreign Minister again. Irigoyen successfully worked out the important boundary treaty of 1881 between Chile and Argentina. This treaty helped set the final border between the two countries.
Later Political Career
In 1884, Bernardo de Irigoyen was elected to the Argentine Senate. He tried to become President in 1886 but was not successful.
International Relations
He also represented Argentina in talks with the United States. They discussed forming a "Pan-American Congress" to bring countries in the Americas closer. Even though Irigoyen liked the idea, Argentina had strong ties with the British Empire. So, he decided not to agree to closer economic ties with the United States.
Forming the Civic Union
In 1890, Irigoyen joined other important leaders like Bartolomé Mitre and Leandro Alem. Together, they started a new political group called the Civic Union. This group wanted to challenge the main political party at the time.
Irigoyen was chosen to run as Vice President in 1892. However, the campaign did not go forward.
Governor of Buenos Aires Province
In 1898, Bernardo de Irigoyen ran for Governor of Buenos Aires Province. He won the election and served as governor until 1902.
After his term as governor, he retired from public life. Bernardo de Irigoyen passed away in Buenos Aires in 1906. His death was a loss for President Roca, who lost a respected ally.
See also
In Spanish: Bernardo de Irigoyen para niños
