José María Moscoso de Altamira Quiroga, 1st Count of Fontao facts for kids
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José María Moscoso de Altamira Quiroga, 1st Count of Fontao (born May 25, 1788, in Mondonedo – died March 1, 1854, in Madrid) was an important Spanish politician. He held many high-ranking positions in the Spanish government during a time of big changes in Spain.
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Who Was José María Moscoso?
His Early Life and Family
José María Moscoso was born into a noble family. His father, Don José María Moscoso y Miranda, was the Lord of Fontao. This meant his family owned land and had a special social status. His mother was Doña María del Carmen Quiroga y Quindós. The "Altamira" part of his name was added later.
Starting His Political Journey
When the War of Spanish Independence began in 1808, José María Moscoso quickly became involved. He represented the noble families of Lugo at a special meeting in A Coruña. This meeting was held because French forces had invaded Spain. He also became a commander in the local army in Mondonedo.
After the war ended, he was chosen as a Regidor (a type of city council member) for Mondonedo.
Important Roles in Government
During a period known as the Trienio Liberal (1820-1823), Spain tried out a more liberal government. On June 1, 1821, José María Moscoso became the President of the Parliament. This was a very important job, like being the leader of the country's main law-making body.
Later, on February 28, 1822, he was appointed Minister of the Interior. This role meant he was in charge of many things inside Spain, like public safety and local government. He served for about a year.
When the king, Fernando VII, returned to power and brought back absolute monarchy, José María Moscoso was sent away from the capital to Lugo.
His Return to Power
After King Fernando VII passed away, more moderate politicians came into power. This allowed José María Moscoso to return to public life. The Queen Regent, Maria Christina of the Two Sicilies, appointed him Minister of Fomento General. This ministry was responsible for public works, like building roads and improving the country's infrastructure. He worked on many large road projects, especially in Galicia and Aragon, before being dismissed a year later.
Leading the Senate
In 1837, the Senate of Spain was created. This is like an upper house of parliament. José María Moscoso was chosen as its very first President on November 1, 1837. He was also President of the Senate in several other years: 1838, 1839, 1840, 1844, and 1845. This shows how respected and important he was in Spanish politics.
Titles and Honors
On January 8, 1840, he was given the title of Count of Fontao. This title was named after his family's old Lordship. He also received many other honors, including:
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Charles III (a high Spanish award).
- Knight Grand Cordon of the Legion of Honor of France (a top French award).
- Knight of the Order of Malta.
- Member of the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando (a royal academy for fine arts).
- Knight of the Real Maestranza of Ronda.
The famous Spanish writer Benito Perez Galdos even mentioned Minister Moscoso in his novel "The 7th of July," calling him "the Apprentice."
See also
In Spanish: José María Moscoso de Altamira para niños
