Fulgencio Yegros facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fulgencio Yegros
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Fulgencio Yegros, by Pablo Alborno (1910)
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| Born |
Fulgencio Yegros y Franco de Torres
1780 |
| Died | 1821 (aged 40–41) |
| Known for | First head of state of independent Paraguay |
| Spouse(s) | Facunda Speratti |
Fulgencio Yegros y Franco de Torres (born 1780, died 1821) was a very important Paraguayan soldier and leader. He became the first head of state for an independent Paraguay. The town of Yegros is even named after him!
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
Fulgencio Yegros came from a family of soldiers. He also chose a military path. He studied in Asunción, the capital city, and joined the Spanish army.
He gained his first battle experience in 1802. He fought against the Portuguese. In 1807, he helped defend Buenos Aires from British attacks. By 1810, he became a captain. He was then made governor of the Misiones area. Later, he helped start the very first military school in independent Paraguay.
Leading Paraguay to Independence
In early 1811, Yegros helped defend Paraguay. He fought against invaders led by Manuel Belgrano.
Yegros and Pedro Juan Caballero were key military leaders. They played a huge part in the May 1811 Revolution. This revolution led to Paraguay's independence.
After independence, Yegros became a leader. From June 19, 1811, to October 12, 1813, he was President of a five-person ruling group. This group was called the Junta Superior Gubernativa.
Serving as Consul
In 1813, the ruling group changed. It was replaced by a two-person leadership called a consulate. Yegros and José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia were chosen as the new leaders. They were called Consuls of the Republic. This idea was similar to the French Revolution.
Yegros was more of a soldier than a politician. Because of this, Francia often made the main decisions. Yegros served as Consul from February 12, 1814, to June 12, 1814.
After his time as Consul, Francia became the dictator of Paraguay. Yegros then left public life. He went to live quietly on his estate.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1820, Yegros was part of a plan. This plan tried to remove Francia from power. However, the plan failed. Yegros was put in prison. He died on July 17, 1821.
Fulgencio Yegros is remembered as a hero. He was a brave soldier who helped Paraguay become a free country. He was also its very first head of state.
