Fernando de la Mora (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fernando de la Mora
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Fernando de la Mora
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Fernando de la Mora
December 18, 1773 |
| Died | May 14, 1835 (aged 61) Asunción, Paraguay
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| Occupation | Attorney, Military, Politician |
Fernando de la Mora was an important leader in Paraguay's early history. He was one of the people who helped create the country. He served as a leader between 1811 and 1813. Later, he lost his power and died while in prison. A city in Paraguay, Fernando de la Mora, is named after him.
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Early Life and Education
Fernando de la Mora was born in 1773 in a town called Limpio. This town was known as Tapúa back then. His parents were Cavalry Captain Fernando de la Mora and Ana del Cazal. Both of his parents came from important families. Their ancestors included a Spanish explorer named Don Domingo Martínez de Irala.
Fernando received a very good education. It is thought that he studied at the College of San Carlos in Asunción. He also went to school in Buenos Aires and at the National University of Córdoba. He studied law and became one of the most educated people of his time.
His Family Connections
Fernando de la Mora had five brothers and one sister. His sister, Rosa Isabel de la Mora Cazal, married Mariano Antonio Martínez Viana. Mariano was a Congressman in 1811. Their daughter, Francisca Carlota Viana de la Mora, was born from this marriage.
An interesting fact is that one of Fernando's descendants was Juana Paula Carrillo Viana. She later married Don Carlos Antonio López, who became a president of Paraguay. They were also the parents of Francisco Solano López, another important leader.
Fernando de la Mora was married to Josefa Antonia Cohene. Together, they had five children.
Public Service and Business
Fernando de la Mora worked in the export trade business. This helped him build strong connections with many people. After his father passed away in 1801, Fernando took over managing the family's property.
In 1802, he was chosen to be a deputy for Asunción. He represented the merchants' union for two years, until 1804. His work at the port helped him make good friends with the city's leading families. He was well-educated and well-liked. He was part of the small group of important people in Asunción. He also had business and social ties with major families in Buenos Aires.
He helped defend the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata from British attacks. This happened between 1806 and 1807. He also helped push the British out of Montevideo, which they had taken over in 1807. In 1810, he started working at the City Hall of Asunción.
Role in Politics and Independence
Fernando de la Mora strongly supported Paraguayan independence from Spain. He took part in the revolution on May 14, 1811. This event was a big step towards Paraguay becoming free.
On June 17, 1811, the First National Congress of Paraguay met. During this meeting, Mariano Antonio Molas suggested removing the last Spanish governor, Bernardo de Velasco y Huidobro. A new group of five leaders, called a junta, was formed. Colonel Fulgencio Yegros became its President.
The other members of this new government were:
- Dr. José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia, a very skilled civilian.
- The young captain Pedro Juan Caballero, who represented the soldiers.
- A priest named Francisco Xavier Bogarin.
- And finally, Don Fernando de la Mora. He was a civilian who had strong ties to Paraguayan society.
Soon after starting his duties, de la Mora was sent on a mission. He led a group to deal with the native Mbayá people. In November 1812, he went to Villa Real of Concepción. His orders were to get back Fort Borbon, which the Portuguese had recently taken. After noticing the Portuguese forces leaving, Mora set up the City Hall of Concepción. This was done by a decree from the junta on November 12, 1812.
While Mora was away, Dr. Francia worked to gain more power for himself. Francia knew that Mora did not agree with his ideas. So, Francia accused Mora of wanting to join Paraguay with Buenos Aires. He also accused Mora of losing some secret government papers. These papers were about a part of a treaty signed in 1811 with Manuel Belgrano. Buenos Aires had used this part of the treaty to unfairly tax Paraguayan tobacco. This started a trade war.
Francia wanted to become the only ruler of Paraguay. On August 21, 1813, he succeeded in removing Mora from the ruling junta.
Later Life and Death
Fernando de la Mora was involved in a plot against Francia in 1820. This plot failed. Because of this, he was put in prison for the rest of his life. We do not know the exact cause of his death. However, it is believed that he died while in prison.
Tribute and Legacy
On October 6, 1923, the city of Asunción decided to honor Fernando de la Mora. They named an avenue after him. This avenue starts at "General Santos" street and ends at "Defensores del Chaco" Avenue.
In Spanish: Fernando de la Mora para niños
