Ignacio de Soroeta facts for kids
Ignacio de Soroeta was a Spanish official who lived a long time ago. He was chosen to be a governor in a place called Paraguay in 1731. However, his time as governor was very unusual because he never actually got to rule! The people of Paraguay did not accept him as their leader.
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About Ignacio de Soroeta
Ignacio de Soroeta was born in a town called Éibar in a region of Spain known as Basque Country. His family was noble, which meant they had a high social standing. At some point, he traveled to Spain's colonies overseas.
His Role in Cuzco
Before coming to Paraguay, Soroeta worked as a corregidor in Cuzco. A corregidor was a Spanish official who governed a specific area, like a mayor or a local administrator.
Becoming Governor of Paraguay
The main leader of the Spanish colonies in South America at that time was the Viceroy of Peru. His name was the Marquis of Castelfuerte. The Viceroy chose Ignacio de Soroeta to be the new governor of Paraguay. He was supposed to take over from the previous governor, Martín de Barúa.
Why Soroeta Was Rejected
Unfortunately for Soroeta, things did not go as planned. Rumors spread in Paraguay that Soroeta was a friend of the Jesuits. The Jesuits were a powerful religious group, and many people in Paraguay disliked them. The previous governor, Barúa, had been against the Jesuits, and the people liked him for that.
Even though Governor Barúa and a religious leader named Bishop Palos tried to convince the people to accept Soroeta, they refused. Barúa became frustrated and resigned from his job. New leaders were chosen for the local government, and they were also against Soroeta and the Jesuits.
When Soroeta arrived near Asunción, the capital of Paraguay, in January 1731, the citizens would not let him enter the city as their governor. He was allowed to visit the city for only four days. After seeing that he could not truly take control, he left on January 28. This meant the position of governor was empty.
Consequences of His Rejection
Soroeta went back to Lima, which was the capital city of the Viceroyalty of Peru. He reported all the problems he faced in Paraguay. His report led to serious consequences for other people involved in the unrest.
Soroeta's rejection is seen as the start of an important part of the Revolt of the Comuneros of Paraguay. This was a big rebellion where the people of Paraguay fought against Spanish rule and the influence of the Jesuits.
See also
In Spanish: Ignacio de Soroeta para niños
