Gregorio Funes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Déan
Dean Gregorio Funes
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| Deputy of the Junta Grande | |
| In office December 18, 1810 – December 22, 1811 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | May 25, 1749 Córdoba, Viceroyalty of Peru |
| Died | January 10, 1829 (aged 79) Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Nationality |  Argentina |
| Political party | Patriot |
| Other political affiliations |
Saavedrism |
| Alma mater | University of Alcalá |
| Occupation | Dean |
Gregorio Funes (born May 25, 1749 – died January 10, 1829) was an important Argentine leader. He was also known as Deán Funes. He was a priest, a teacher, a historian, a journalist, and a lawmaker. He played a big part in Argentina's history right after it became independent.
Contents
The Life of Gregorio Funes
Early Years and Becoming a Priest
Gregorio Funes was born in Córdoba. At that time, it was part of the Spanish Empire. His family was well-off. He went to the College of Monserrat. He studied there with other important future leaders.
In 1773, Funes became a priest. He finished his studies in 1774. Later, he moved to Spain to study at the University of Alcalá de Henares.
Returning to Argentina
Funes came back to South America in 1793. He became a canon in Salta. In 1804, he became the dean of the cathedral. This is where his nickname "Deán Funes" comes from.
In 1807, Funes became the head of the University of Córdoba. He made many changes to modernize the university. He added new subjects like mathematics, physics, and French. He also gave some of his family's land to help the university grow.
The May Revolution and New Government
In 1810, the May Revolution began. This was a big step towards Argentina's independence from Spain. Gregorio Funes was the first official from Córdoba to support it. He helped the new Argentine government, called the Primera Junta. He told them about a plan to fight against the revolution. This helped the patriots take control of Córdoba.
Funes was chosen to represent Córdoba in the Junta Grande. This new government replaced the Primera Junta in December 1810. He wanted to make sure all parts of Argentina had a say. He suggested creating provincial juntas (local governments). This idea helped keep Argentina united during the Argentine War of Independence.
Leading the Junta
Funes supported the leader of the Junta, Cornelio Saavedra. He believed in sharing power with the provinces. Funes also managed important newspapers like the Gazeta de Buenos Ayres. He helped create laws that supported freedom of the press. This meant people could write and print their ideas more freely.
When Saavedra was away, Funes became the head of the Junta. However, the Junta's power was reduced. A new group called the Triumvirate took over. Funes tried to create a new legal code. This code would clearly define how power was separated in the government. But the Triumvirate did not accept his ideas.
Later, some soldiers rebelled against the Triumvirate. Funes was accused of being involved. The rebellion was stopped, and Funes was charged with a crime. However, his sentence was later changed.
An Important Statesman
After these events, Funes went back to Córdoba. He wrote one of Argentina's first history books. It was called Ensayo de Historia Civil del Paraguay, Buenos Aires y Tucumán. He became a writer. He was asked to represent his province in the 1816 Congress of Tucumán, but he said no.
Later, he accepted a role as Governor of Córdoba. He also became a representative when the Congress moved to Buenos Aires in 1817. Funes continued to work for the government. He believed in a constitutional monarchy. This is a system where a king or queen shares power with an elected government.
Working for Unity
Funes helped write the introduction to the 1819 Constitution. This constitution aimed for a strong central government. However, many provinces did not like it. They preferred more local power. This led to conflicts.
After a big battle in 1820, the constitution was cancelled. Funes helped negotiate a peace treaty. He then moved to Buenos Aires. He was appointed to represent Argentina in Gran Colombia. There, he met President Simón Bolívar. Funes tried to get Argentina to join an important meeting called the Congress of Panama.
Funes returned to Argentina to help unite the country. He supported the General Congress of 1824. This led to the 1826 Constitution. This constitution created Argentina's first central government, even if it was temporary.
Gregorio Funes retired in Buenos Aires. He passed away at the age of 79. He was first buried in La Recoleta Cemetery. Later, his remains were moved to the Córdoba Cathedral. A town near his old parish was named Deán Funes in his honor in 1875.
See also
In Spanish: Gregorio Funes para niños
