Bernardo de Velasco facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bernardo de Velasco
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Portrait by Guglielmo Da Re, 1890
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| Intendent Governor of Paraguay | |
| In office 5 May 1806 – 17 June 1811 |
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| Preceded by | Lázaro de Ribera y Espinoza |
| Succeeded by | Post abolished (replaced by Superior Governing Junta of the Province of Paraguay) |
| Military and political governor of the thirty towns of the Missions | |
| In office 9 October 1804 – 17 June 1811 |
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| Monarch | Charles IV of Spain |
| Preceded by | Santiago de Liniers, 1st Count of Buenos Aires |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Bernardo Luis de Velasco y Huidobro
20 August 1742 Villadiego, Burgos, Spain |
| Died | Unknown, possibly around 1821 Asunción, Paraguay |
| Nationality | Spain and Paraguay |
| Occupation | Military |
Bernardo Luis de Velasco y Huidobro (born August 20, 1742 – died around 1821) was an important figure during the Spanish American wars of independence. He was the last Spanish governor of Paraguay. He also led the Spanish royalist army during the war.
A group of leaders in Asunción removed him from power on June 17, 1811. Bernardo de Velasco was born in Villadiego, Burgos, Spain.
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
Bernardo de Velasco was born in 1742. He was the second son of Miguel Gervasio de Velasco Fernández de Humada and Josefa Gabriela de Huidobro y Mier. He studied mathematics in Barcelona, Spain.
When he was 25, he joined the army. From 1793 to 1795, he fought against French troops in the War of the Pyrenees. He was known as a polite, well-educated, and capable military officer.
In 1803, King Charles IV of Spain decided to create a new government. This government would oversee the "thirty towns of the old Guarani Missions." These towns were in a very bad state after the Jesuits were expelled. The King chose Bernardo de Velasco to be their governor. This new government was special because it was independent from Buenos Aires and Paraguay.
Velasco arrived in Buenos Aires in January 1804. He then traveled to Candelaria, arriving on October 8, 1804. The next day, Santiago de Liniers handed over command to him.
Governor of the Missions Towns
In June 1804, Velasco was promoted to colonel. He wanted to create a strong army of 600 soldiers. This was to protect the towns from Portugal, which was trying to expand its territory. However, he could only gather about a third of that number.
Velasco also worked to improve the towns. He encouraged farming and raising cattle. He also supported education, making sure girls could go to school too. He was one of the first people to promote smallpox vaccination in the area.
His good leadership helped the economy. The production of leather and yerba mate improved greatly under his rule.
Governor of Paraguay and the Missions
The previous governor of Paraguay, Lázaro de Ribera, was not well-liked. He was seen as unfair and disrespectful. He also disagreed with the Viceroy about how to manage the Guaraní people and their community system.
An official named Félix de Azara suggested a change. He thought the Missions towns should join the Province of Paraguay. This way, they would be under one governor. He believed Colonel Velasco was the best person for this important job.
So, Bernardo de Velasco became the governor of both the Province of Paraguay and the thirty towns of the Missions. This made him a very powerful leader in the region.
Images for kids
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Portrait by Guglielmo Da Re, 1890
See also
In Spanish: Bernardo de Velasco para niños
