Francisco Gómez-Jordana Sousa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Most Excellent
Francisco Gómez-Jordana Sousa
|
|
|---|---|
The Count of Jordana in 1940
|
|
| Minister of Foreign Affairs | |
| In office 3 September 1942 – 2 August 1944 |
|
| Preceded by | Ramón Serrano Súñer |
| Succeeded by | José Félix de Lequerica |
| In office 30 January 1938 – 9 August 1939 |
|
| Preceded by | Julio Álvarez del Vayo |
| Succeeded by | Juan Luis Beigbeder y Atienza |
| President of the Technical State Junta | |
| In office 3 June 1937 – 30 January 1938 |
|
| Preceded by | Fidel Dávila Arrondo |
| Succeeded by | Francisco Franco |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Francisco Gómez-Jordana y Sousa
1 February 1876 Madrid, Kingdom of Spain |
| Died | 3 August 1944 (aged 68) San Sebastián, Spain |
Francisco Gómez-Jordana y Sousa, 1st Count de Jordana (born February 1, 1876 – died August 3, 1944) was an important Spanish soldier and politician. He served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Spain during the time when Francisco Franco was in charge.
Contents
Early Life and Military Training
Francisco Gómez-Jordana was born in Madrid, the capital of Spain. His father was also a military officer who later became a General. He was a high military official for Spain in Morocco.
In 1892, young Gómez-Jordana began his military education. He enrolled as a student at Spain's "Academia General Militar" (Military General Academy) in Zaragoza.
Early Career and Promotions
Gómez-Jordana started his military career in Cuba. He went there as a second lieutenant during the Cuban War of Independence. He was injured in November 1896.
After returning to Spain, he became a captain. He studied at the Escuela Superior de Guerra ("Higher School for the Conduct of War") in Madrid. In 1911, he moved to Melilla, a Spanish city in North Africa. There, he joined his father, Colonel Francisco Gómez Jordana.
The younger Gómez-Jordana quickly rose through the ranks. He became a lieutenant colonel in 1912 and a colonel in 1915.
High Commissioner in Morocco
From 1915 to 1919, he served as the High Commissioner of Spain in Morocco for the first time. This was a very important role in managing Spain's presence in that region. He became a General of Brigade in 1922.
After a military takeover in 1923, led by General Miguel Primo de Rivera, Gómez-Jordana joined the Military Directory. He was given a lot of power to handle colonial matters in Africa, especially in the Spanish Protectorate of Morocco.
Actions in Morocco
In 1925, General Gómez-Jordana was involved in a major military operation. Along with French officers, they launched a joint naval landing attack at Al Hoceima in northern Morocco. This attack was aimed at rebel groups. It was special because it was the first time tanks were used in an amphibious landing. The naval forces also used a lot of air and gunfire support.
Receiving a Title
The attack was successful. Because of his role, King Alfonso XIII honored General Gómez-Jordana. On July 19, 1926, he was given the title of 1st Count of Jordana. This was a very high honor for his military achievements.
The military actions in Morocco led to the exile of a local leader named Abd el-Krim. He had created a republic of tribes in the Rif region since 1921.
Gómez-Jordana served another term as High Commissioner in Morocco from 1928 to 1931.
Military and Political Changes
During this time, there were many changes in Spain's military and government. Different military academies trained officers for different roles. For example, infantry officers often got promoted quickly through actions in Morocco. However, officers from engineering and artillery branches did not advance as fast. This caused some tension between the groups.
In 1931, the Second Spanish Republic was established. This happened after local elections and the end of the Military Directorate. The new government brought changes, including to the military.
The Minister of War, Manuel Azaña, closed the main military academy in Zaragoza in June 1931. The director of this academy was General Francisco Franco, who was also an "Africanist" (meaning he had served in Africa). This decision was not popular with many military leaders.
Honours
Francisco Gómez-Jordana y Sousa was awarded the National Order of the Legion of Honour. This is a very high award from France, given to him in the grade of Grand Cross.
See also
In Spanish: Francisco Gómez-Jordana Sousa para niños
