Buenaventura de Abarzuza y Ferrer facts for kids

Buenaventura de Abarzuza y Ferrer (born in 1843 – died in 1910) was an important Spanish diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations. Buenaventura was born in Havana, which is in Cuba. He worked as an ambassador in London in 1873. An ambassador is a country's main representative in another country. Later, he became the Minister of State for Spain between 1902 and 1903. This role is like being the top government official in charge of a country's relationships with other nations. He passed away on April 13, 1910.

Buenaventura's Work in Politics

Buenaventura de Abarzuza had a long and important career in Spanish politics. He started as an ambassador in London in 1873. He was part of a political group called the Partido Posibilista, but he later joined the royalists, who supported the king.

Early Political Roles

Buenaventura was elected to special government groups called Constituent Assemblies in 1869 and 1873. These groups helped create new laws and rules for the country. He also served during the time of King Amadeo I. He later became an ambassador in Paris, which is the capital of France. He also served as a senator and a minister many times. A senator is a member of a country's parliament, helping to make laws.

Important Government Positions

Buenaventura was the Foreign Minister when Práxedes Mateo Sagasta was president. In this role, he worked to improve how the government was run. He wanted to make changes that would help people in Cuba feel more connected to Spain. He also served as Minister of State under President Francisco Silvela and later under Antonio Maura.

Joining the Government

After a big change in Spain called the 1868 revolution, Buenaventura was elected to represent the Alcoi area in the 1869 Constituent Assembly. Later, he represented the Villajoyosa area in the 1873 Assembly. During a period known as the Restoration, he was part of the Partido Posibilista and became a Senator for Huesca. He was even made a Senator for life, meaning he held the position permanently. He became Foreign Minister in 1894 and Minister of State in 1902.

Signing the Treaty of Paris

In 1898, Buenaventura de Abarzuza was part of a group sent to talk about the Treaty of Paris. This happened after the Spanish-American War, which was also known as the Cuban War. He was one of the people who signed this important treaty in Paris. By signing it, Spain officially gave up its colonies, including Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines.

Buenaventura's Writing Career

Besides his political work, Buenaventura de Abarzuza also enjoyed writing. He wrote for a newspaper called "La Democracia," which was owned by his friend Castelar. He also wrote a play in verse called Una historia de amor (A Love Story). However, this play was not very successful.