Francisco López de Zúñiga, 2nd Marquess of Baides facts for kids

Francisco López de Zúñiga y Meneses (born in Villa de Pedrosa, Spain, in 1599 – died in 1655) was an important Spanish soldier. He served as the Royal Governor of Chile from May 1639 to May 1646.

Francisco was the son of Francisco López de Zúñiga y de la Cerda and María Meneses y Padilla. He was a nobleman with the titles of Count of Pedrosa and Marquess of Baides. He was also a knight of the Order of Santiago, which was a special group of knights. In 1636, he married María de Salazar.

Early Military Career

Francisco López de Zúñiga spent 16 years serving in the Spanish army. He fought in important battles in places like Flanders (which is now part of Belgium and the Netherlands) and Germany. His bravery and experience in these wars helped him become a respected leader.

Governor of Chile

In 1639, Francisco López de Zúñiga was chosen to be the Governor of the Captaincy General of Chile. This was a very important job, as he was in charge of the Spanish lands in Chile. During his time as governor, there were some challenges in how things were managed.

However, Governor López de Zúñiga also showed great respect for religious leaders, especially the Jesuits. He particularly admired Father Luis de Valdivia, a Jesuit who worked to build peace. López de Zúñiga even brought gifts to try and make a new agreement with the native people of Chile.

The Parliament of Quillin

One of his most important actions was holding the Parliament of Quillin in 1641. This was a big meeting held in the Quillin River valley. At this meeting, Governor López de Zúñiga met with Lincopinchon, a powerful leader (called a toqui) of the Mapuche people. The Mapuche are the indigenous people of Chile.

At the Parliament of Quillin, they made the first peace agreement in the long-running Arauco War. This war had been going on between the Spanish and the Mapuche for many years. It was a hopeful moment for peace. Sadly, just a year later, fighting started again as the Spanish military tried to control uprisings.

Return to Spain and Death

When his time as governor ended in 1646, Francisco López de Zúñiga boarded a Spanish fleet of ships. They sailed from Callao, Peru, on their way back to Spain. During the long sea journey, his son was born.

However, as the fleet neared Cadiz, Spain, it was attacked by an English group of warships. This battle, known as the Battle of Cádiz (1656), was fierce. Tragically, Francisco López de Zúñiga was killed in this battle. His wife and one of his daughters also died during the attack.

Sources

See also

In Spanish: Francisco López de Zúñiga y Meneses para niños