Cristino Martos y Balbí facts for kids
Cristino Martos y Balbí (born September 13, 1830, in Granada, Spain – died January 17, 1893, in Madrid, Spain) was an important Spanish politician and lawyer. He served as the country's Minister of State from 1869 to 1870. This was during a time when Juan Prim, 1st Marquis of los Castillejos was leading the government. Martos also held other big jobs, like being the Mayor of Madrid. He was a member of the Radical Democratic Party, a group that wanted big changes in how Spain was run.
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Early Life and Political Beginnings
Cristino Martos studied in Granada and then at Madrid University. While he was a student, his strong "Radical" ideas got him into trouble. Radicalism meant he wanted big, quick changes in government and society. He almost got kicked out of the university for joining student protests against the government of Queen Isabella.
Martos also became a well-known journalist. He wrote for a newspaper called El Tribuno. This helped him share his ideas and become more famous.
A Career in Revolution and Government
In 1854, Martos joined forces with other leaders like Leopoldo O'Donnell, Duke of Tetuan and Baldomero Espartero, Prince of Vergara. They were against a new government at the time. Soon after, he changed sides. He worked with the Democrats and Progressists, led by Juan Prim, Rivero, Emilio Castelar y Ripoll, and Práxedes Mateo Sagasta. They tried to make changes in 1866, but their efforts were not successful. Because of this, Martos had to leave Spain for a while.
Even with all his political activity, Martos was also a very successful lawyer. He worked in law for 40 years.
Return to Spain and the Republic
After three years away, Martos came back to Spain in 1869. This was after the revolution of 1868, which changed the government. He became a member of the Cortes, which is like Spain's parliament.
During this time of big changes, Martos was part of several governments. He worked with leaders like Prim, Serrano, and Manuel Ruiz Zorrilla. Later, he served under King Amadeus. Martos always pushed for democratic ideas. He wanted Spain to have a democratic monarchy, where the king or queen had limited power and the people had more say.
When King Amadeus left the throne, Martos played a key role in creating the federal republic. A republic is a country ruled by elected officials, not a king or queen. He was involved in a big struggle between the republic's leaders and the parliament, which was supported by generals. When the republicans won, Martos went into exile again. He then stepped away from public life for a short time.
He returned briefly in January 1874. He joined a government formed by Marshal Serrano, with Sagasta and Ulloa.
Later Years and Legacy
In May 1874, Martos went back to being a lawyer. He watched quietly as the monarchy was brought back to Spain later that year. For some years, he stuck to his democratic beliefs. He even attended a republican meeting in 1881.
Later, Martos joined a group called the "dynastic Left." This group included other former revolutionaries. He served in parliament many times during the reigns of King Alphonso XII and Queen Christina. He eventually joined the Liberals led by Sagasta. He even became the president of the House of Deputies.
Cristino Martos was known for being a great speaker and debater. He passed away in Madrid on January 16, 1893.
