Francisco Javier de Viana facts for kids

Francisco Javier de Viana (1764–1820) was an Argentine sailor and soldier. He was an important figure in Argentina's early politics. He was a strong supporter of General Carlos María de Alvear.

Early Life and Naval Career

Francisco Javier de Viana studied at the Colegio de San Carlos in Buenos Aires. Later, he continued his studies in Spain, possibly at a naval school in Cádiz. He then joined the navy.

He also worked on scientific projects. These projects helped to map and set the borders of the region at that time. Viana was a writer and reporter on a four-year journey. He sailed on the ships Descubierta and Atrevida. These ships were led by Captain Alejandro Malaspina.

Defending Against British Invasions

After the British invasions of the Río de la Plata, the city of Montevideo needed new naval defenses. Many sailors had been taken prisoner to Great Britain. Viana was sent to help rebuild the naval forces there.

In 1809, Governor Francisco Javier de Elío sent Viana on a mission. He was to rescue Martín de Álzaga, who had been sent away to Carmen de Patagones. This order came from Viceroy Santiago de Liniers.

Role in the May Revolution

During the May Revolution, Viana sided with the royalists. These were people loyal to the Spanish king. He fought against the revolutionaries in the Banda Oriental (which is now Uruguay).

After the Battle of San José, Colonel José Artigas attacked the town of Maldonado. Viana was the commander defending the town, but his forces were defeated. He was then taken as a prisoner to Buenos Aires.

Joining the Revolutionaries

After being set free, Viana joined the Argentine Army. He was given the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was put in charge of the navy. Until late 1811, he was the main commander of the revolutionary navy. However, the actual naval battles were led by Juan Bautista Azopardo. This was until Azopardo's defeat at San Nicolás de los Arroyos.

Governor of Córdoba

In June 1813, Viana was promoted to colonel. He also became a member of the Lautaro Lodge. This was a secret society that supported independence. He was named governor of the Córdoba del Tucumán Intendancy. This was a large region that included Cuyo and La Rioja Province.

Viana did not stay in this role for long. His opponents said he governed the province harshly. They claimed he treated it like enemy land. He was accused of forcing people to contribute money and supplies. He also rewarded or punished citizens based on their support for the Buenos Aires government. In February 1814, Francisco Ortiz de Ocampo replaced him.

Supporting Carlos María de Alvear

Viana returned to Buenos Aires. He became an advisor to the Supreme Director, Gervasio Posadas. He also joined General Carlos María de Alvear to help end the siege of Montevideo.

Viana and Alvear became close friends. Like Alvear, Viana was a strong opponent of the Federal Party. This party was led by Artigas.

Back in Buenos Aires, Viana was promoted to general. He was also named Minister of War and Navy. He held this position during the last months of Posadas's government. He continued in this role during the three months of Alvear's government.

Exile and Return

In March 1815, Viana organized a military mission. It was planned to go against the Federales in Santa Fe Province. However, before he could leave, his advance commander, Colonel Ignacio Álvarez Thomas, rebelled. This happened at Fontezuelas.

This rebellion started a larger revolution. It forced Alvear to resign and go into exile. Viana went with his friend Alvear to Río de Janeiro. When they arrived, Viana learned he had been exiled for life.

Final Years

In 1818, the Portuguese took control of Montevideo. Viana went to that city. This meant he accepted a foreign government on his home soil.

He returned to Buenos Aires in 1820. This was a time of great political confusion. He came back with Alvear to work on a new revolution. This revolution briefly brought Alvear back into power in part of the province. Viana was ill at the time. He stayed in the city when Alvear joined forces with Estanislao López from Santa Fe. Francisco Javier de Viana died in Buenos Aires in 1820.

See also

In Spanish: Francisco Javier de Viana para niños