Diego López Pacheco, 7th Duke of Escalona facts for kids
Don Diego Roque López Pacheco Cabrera y Bobadilla (born August 16, 1599, died February 27, 1653) was an important Spanish nobleman. He held many big titles, like the 7th Duke of Escalona. He is best known for being the viceroy of New Spain (which is now Mexico) from 1640 to 1642. A viceroy was like a governor who ruled a colony in the king's name.
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Early Life and Education
Diego López Pacheco came from a very old and important family in Spain. His father was Juan Fernandez Pacheco, the 5th Duke of Escalona. His mother, Serafina de Portugal Bragança, was related to the royal family of Portugal.
He studied at the University of Salamanca in Spain. He even became the head of the university, called the rector. Diego was known for being smart and good at writing. He was also a brave soldier. He served in the Spanish army, called the Tercios, and became a colonel.
Viceroy of New Spain
On January 22, 1640, King Philip IV of Spain chose López Pacheco to be the new viceroy. He arrived in Veracruz, a port city in New Spain, on June 24, 1640. With him was Juan de Palafox y Mendoza, who was the bishop of Puebla. The bishop was sent to check on the previous viceroys.
López Pacheco spent a few months in Veracruz because of all the celebrations for his arrival. He finally entered Mexico City on August 28. People liked him, even though he introduced new taxes and sent more money to Spain.
Protecting the Coasts
While still in Veracruz, he learned that the Armada de Barlovento needed help. This was a special navy that protected the coast and ships from pirates. He quickly started working on this project. He fixed six warships and ordered new ones to be built. He also got more ships from Cartagena and Havana. He made sure there were enough cannons, gunpowder, and other supplies for the navy.
Changes in the Colony
In 1641, the governor of Sinaloa asked the viceroy for permission. He wanted to send an expedition to explore and settle the Californias with Jesuit missionaries. López Pacheco agreed, but this expedition was not successful.
During his time as viceroy, there was another important change. Many churches in the colony started to be run by regular priests. Before, most of them were managed by friars from religious orders.
Challenges and Return to Spain
In 1640, a big change happened in Portugal. The Duke of Braganza, who was a cousin of Viceroy López Pacheco, became King John IV. This started a war between Spain and Portugal.
Naturally, people in Spain wondered if López Pacheco was still loyal to the Spanish king. To show his loyalty, he ordered all Portuguese people in New Spain to register with the government. This helped keep track of their activities. However, some people still suspected him.
Accusations and Departure
In 1642, Bishop Palafox y Mendoza, who was already investigating past viceroys, had a disagreement with López Pacheco. The bishop claimed he had orders from the king to remove the viceroy. He said López Pacheco was still loyal to Portugal.
On the night of June 9, Bishop Palafox secretly met with the Audiencia (a high court) in Mexico City. He shared his suspicions. The next morning, López Pacheco was told that the bishop was now the new viceroy.
López Pacheco was asked to step down from his role. He stayed at a convent for a few days. Then he moved out of the capital. His belongings were temporarily taken and sold.
A few months later, he went back to Spain. He had a short trial and was found innocent of the accusations against him. The king gave him back some of the money he had lost. The king even offered him his old job as viceroy of New Spain again. But López Pacheco did not want to return to Mexico. Instead, the king made him governor of Sicily. Later, in 1649, he became the viceroy of Navarre.
See also
In Spanish: Diego López Pacheco y Portugal para niños
