Domingo Dulce, 1st Marquis of Castell-Florite facts for kids

Domingo Dulce y Garay, the 1st Marquis of Castell-Florite, was an important Spanish noble and general. He was born in Sotés, La Rioja, Spain, on May 7, 1808. He became famous for fighting in the First Carlist War and for serving twice as the Captain General of Cuba. He passed away in Amélie-les-Bains-Palalda, France, on November 23, 1869.

Early Military Career

Domingo Dulce y Garay joined the Spanish army in 1823. This was at the end of a period called the Trienio Liberal. He fought in the First Carlist War, which was a civil war in Spain. During this war, he served under General Baldomero Espartero, who was a close friend.

Dulce y Garay showed great bravery during the war. He earned four Laureate Crosses of Saint Ferdinand. These crosses are special awards for military heroism.

Supporting Espartero

His friendship with General Espartero was very important. It led to his involvement in Espartero's time as regent. A regent is someone who rules a country when the king or queen is too young. At this time, Queen Isabella II was still a child.

In 1841, a group of moderate liberals tried to start a revolt. They attempted to enter the Royal Palace of Madrid to kidnap the young queen. Domingo Dulce y Garay played a key role in stopping this rebellion.

Rise to General and Marquis

Later, as a general, Domingo Dulce y Garay fought in the Second Carlist War. He successfully defeated the Carlist general Ramón Cabrera y Griñó.

He also supported General Leopoldo O'Donnell during a period known as the Bienio Progresista. After this, he faced another Carlist uprising. This happened at a place called Sant Carles de la Ràpita. For his success in putting down this uprising, he was given the title of Marquis of Castell-Florite.

Time in Cuba

For much of the Liberal Union government period, Domingo Dulce y Garay was stationed in Cuba. He served as the Captain-General of Cuba. This was a very important position, like being the governor of the island.

Even though he supported General O'Donnell, some people still had doubts about him. He even served as a senator in Spain from 1858 to 1860.

Fighting for Freedom

During his time in America, Domingo Dulce y Garay was known for his strong belief in ending slavery. This idea is called abolitionism. His commitment to ending slavery made some Spanish people living in Cuba unhappy. He even had open disagreements with Julián de Zulueta, a powerful figure in Cuba.

Later Years and Legacy

Domingo Dulce y Garay returned to Spain in 1866. He became involved in a plan that led to a revolution in 1868. This revolution resulted in Queen Isabella II being removed from power.

Even though he signed a document supporting the revolution, he was suspected of being a progressive. Because of this, he was sent away to the Canary Islands for a short time.

He later returned to Cuba. On January 9, 1869, he made a very important decision. He decreed freedom of the press for the first time on the island. This meant that newspapers and writers could express their ideas more freely. He passed away just a few months later, on November 23, 1869.

See also

In Spanish: Domingo Dulce y Garay para niños