Gervasio Antonio de Posadas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gervasio Antonio de Posadas
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| Supreme Director of the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata | |
| In office 31 January 1814 – 9 January 1815 |
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| Preceded by | Second Triumvirate |
| Succeeded by | Carlos María de Alvear |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 18 June 1757 Buenos Aires |
| Died | 2 July 1833 (aged 76) Buenos Aires |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Profession | Lawyer |
Gervasio Antonio de Posadas y Dávila (born June 18, 1757, died July 2, 1833) was an important leader in Argentina's early history. He was born and died in Buenos Aires. He first served as part of the Second Triumvirate, a group of three leaders, from August 1813 to January 1814. After that, he became the Supreme Director, which was like being the main president, until January 1815.
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Early Life and Political Beginnings
Gervasio Posadas started his education at the San Francisco convent. Later, he studied and worked as a lawyer. In 1789, he became a general notary for the church, a job he held until the May Revolution happened.
He was surprised by the May Revolution, which took place on May 25, 1810, when the Buenos Aires Cabildo (the local government building) was taken over. At first, he didn't think this was done in the right way. However, he supported a group called the Saavedrists. Because of this, he was sent away to Mendoza for a short time in 1811. A month later, he was asked to be the solicitor-procurator for Buenos Aires. Like many important people in Argentina during the 1800s, Posadas was also a freemason.
Becoming a National Leader
Gervasio Posadas played a key role in creating Argentina's first government. He was part of a group that helped write a new constitution for the country. This constitution was meant to be reviewed by the Asamblea del Año XIII, an important assembly.
After this, he joined the Second Triumvirate, which was given executive power by the Assembly. Then, in January 1814, the Assembly decided to give all the executive power to him alone. He became the Supreme Director of the United Provinces, a powerful leader for a one-year term.
Challenges as Supreme Director
During his time as Supreme Director, Posadas faced many challenges. Some political rivals were sent away from the capital. His government successfully captured Montevideo, an important city, for the United Provinces.
However, he also had big problems with José Gervasio Artigas, a strong leader from the Banda Oriental (modern-day Uruguay), and his group, the Liga Federal. These groups wanted more independence from Buenos Aires. Also, in 1815, Ferdinand VII of Spain got his throne back in Spain. This meant that Spain might try to take back control of the United Provinces, which was a big worry for the new government.
Later Life and Legacy
After his term, Gervasio Posadas was replaced by his nephew, Carlos María de Alvear. However, his nephew was quickly removed from power by a military takeover. After his nephew was removed, Posadas was also put in jail.
He spent the next six years in many different jails. In 1829, he started writing down his memories and experiences. Gervasio Posadas passed away in Buenos Aires in 1833.
See also
In Spanish: Gervasio Antonio de Posadas para niños
