Jaime de Guzmán-Dávalos y Spínola facts for kids
Jaime de Guzmán y Spinola, II Marquis of la Mina (1690–1767) was an important Spanish Army commander. He also served as the Captain General of Catalonia, which was a top military and political role. He was also known as the fifth Count of Pezuela de las Torres, a place near Alcalá de Henares.
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Early Life and Military Career
Jaime de Guzmán y Spinola was born in Seville, Spain. When he was a young soldier, he fought for King Philip V during the War of Spanish Succession. This was a big war where different countries fought over who should be the next king of Spain.
Later, he also took part in attacks on Sardinia and Sicily. These attacks happened during another conflict called the War of the Quadruple Alliance.
Diplomacy and High Honors
After his early military service, Jaime de Guzmán y Spinola became an ambassador to France. He held this important job from 1736 to 1740. As an ambassador, he worked closely with the French Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Jean-Jacques Amelot de Chaillou. Their main goal was to create a special agreement, a mutual defence treaty, between Spain and France. This was after the War of the Polish Succession.
In 1738, he received a very special award. He was made a Knight in the Order of the Golden Fleece. This is one of Spain's highest and most respected honors.
Role in the War of the Austrian Succession
When the War of the Austrian Succession began, he joined the Spanish army in Italy. He played a key role in a major battle called the Battle of Madonna dell'Olmo.
After a difficult military campaign in 1746, he took over as the main commander of all Spanish troops in Italy. He led the army until the war ended.
Leadership in Catalonia
In 1742, Jaime de Guzmán y Spinola was chosen to be the temporary Captain General of Catalonia. Even though he was still fighting in Italy, he held this position from afar until 1747. He officially started his duties in Catalonia in 1754.
During his time as Captain General, he made many important improvements in Catalonia.
Building and Infrastructure Projects
He helped create the school of military engineers in Barcelona. This school was called the Academia de Matemáticas de Barcelona. It was important for training engineers for the army.
He also worked hard to improve how people entered and left the city of Barcelona. He improved the water supply and even added street lighting.
His most famous projects included building a new area of Barcelona called Barceloneta. He also oversaw the construction of the San Fernando Castle in Figueras. Another big project was rebuilding the Montjuich fortress, an important defensive structure.
Jaime de Guzmán y Spinola was buried in the Church of San Miguel del Puerto, which is in Barceloneta. He was later replaced by General Bernardo O'Connor.
See also
In Spanish: Jaime de Guzmán-Dávalos y Spínola para niños
