José María de la Cruz facts for kids

Quick facts for kids José María de la Cruz
Portrait by José Gil de Castro
Navy General Commander
In office 1842–1843
Preceded by	Victorino Garrido
Succeeded by	Robert Simpson
In office 1829–1831
Preceded by	Francisco de la Lastra
Succeeded by	José Matías López
Minister of War and Navy
In office 1841–1842
Preceded by	Manuel Montt
Succeeded by	José Santiago Aldunate
In office 1830–1831
Preceded by	José María Benavente
Succeeded by	Diego Portales
Personal details
Born	(1799-03-25)March 25, 1799 Concepción, Chile
Died	November 23, 1875(1875-11-23) (aged 76) Concepción, Chile
Spouse	Josefa Zañartu Trujillo
Children	Delfina de la Cruz
Parents	Luis de la Cruz Josefa Prieto Sotomayor
Military service
Allegiance	Chile
Branch/service	Chilean Navy
Rank	Divisional General
Battles/wars	Chilean War of Independence Battle of Chacabuco Battle of Maipú Battle of Pangal Chilean Civil War of 1829–30 Battle of Lircay War of the Confederation Battle of Portada de Guías Battle of Yungay Revolution of 1851 Battle of Loncomilla

General José María de la Cruz Prieto (born March 25, 1799, in Concepción – died November 23, 1875, in Concepción) was an important Chilean soldier and political figure. He played a key role in several major events in Chile's early history.

José María was the son of Luis de la Cruz and Josefa Prieto Sotomayor. He was also a cousin to two future presidents of Chile: José Joaquín Prieto and Manuel Bulnes. He married Josefa Zañartu Trujillo, and they had one daughter, Delfina de la Cruz Zañartu. Delfina later married Aníbal Pinto, who also became a president of Chile.

Early Military Career

José María de la Cruz joined the Chilean Army on October 27, 1811. This was a very important time for Chile, as it was fighting for its freedom from Spain. He bravely took part in several major battles during the Chilean War of Independence.

These important battles included:

• The Battle of Chacabuco
• The Battle of Maipú
• The Battle of Pangal

His actions in these battles helped Chile gain its independence.

Role in the War of the Confederation

Later, José María de la Cruz served in the War of the Confederation. This war was fought between Chile and the Peru-Bolivian Confederation. He was the second-in-command of the Chilean army, working under General Manuel Bulnes, who was his cousin.

He played a special part in the Chilean victory at the Battle of Yungay. This battle was a major turning point in the war, leading to the end of the Peru-Bolivian Confederation.

Life After the War

After the War of the Confederation, José María de la Cruz continued to serve his country. He became the Intendant (a type of governor) of Valparaíso, an important port city. Later, he became the Intendant of his home city, Concepción.

Presidential Election of 1851

In 1851, José María de la Cruz decided to run for president of Chile. However, he lost the election to Manuel Montt. This defeat led to a major event in Chilean history.

The 1851 Revolution

Because he lost the election, José María de la Cruz led a revolt in the southern provinces of Chile. This event is known as the Revolution of 1851. His cousin, Manuel Bulnes, who was then the president, put down the rebellion. The conflict ended when a peace agreement, called the Treaty of Purapel, was signed between the government and the revolutionaries.

Later Years

After the 1851 revolution, José María de la Cruz decided to retire from politics and military life. He lived out his remaining years in Concepción, where he passed away at the age of 76. He is remembered as a significant figure in Chile's fight for independence and its early years as a republic.

See also

In Spanish: José María de la Cruz Prieto para niños