José Rafael Revenga facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
José Rafael Revenga y Hernández
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| 2nd Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Colombia | |
| Assumed office 17 September 1825 |
|
| Appointed by | Francisco de Paula Santander y Omaña |
| Preceded by | Pedro Gual Escandón |
| Succeeded by | José Manuel Restrepo Veléz |
| 2nd Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Colombia to the United Kingdom | |
| In office 22 January 1823 – 11 November 1825 |
|
| Appointed by | Pedro Gual Escandón |
| Preceded by | Francisco Antonio Zea Díaz |
| Succeeded by | Manuel José Hurtado y Arboleda |
| Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela | |
| In office 8 March 1849 – 23 April 1849 |
|
| President | José Tadeo Monagas |
| Preceded by | Ramón Yepes |
| Succeeded by | Diego Antonio Caballero |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 24 November 1786 El Consejo, Venezuela, Viceroyalty of the New Granada |
| Died | 9 March 1852 (aged 65) Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela |
| Resting place | National Pantheon of Venezuela 10°30′46″N 66°54′45″W / 10.5129°N 66.9126°W |
| Citizenship | Venezuela |
| Nationality | Neogranadine |
| Spouse | Micaela Ramona de la Soledad de Clemente e Iriarte |
| Profession | Lawyer |
José Rafael Revenga y Hernández (born November 24, 1786 – died March 9, 1852) was an important Venezuelan lawyer and diplomat. He played a key role in the early history of Gran Colombia and Venezuela. He served as a minister of foreign affairs for Gran Colombia from 1819 to 1821.
Revenga was the second Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Colombia. He started this job on September 17, 1825. He was chosen by Francisco de Paula Santander y Omaña. Later, he became the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela from March 8, 1849, to April 23, 1849. This was during the time José Tadeo Monagas was president. He also worked as the Minister of Finance in 1849.
Contents
Early Life and Fight for Independence
José Rafael Revenga was born in El Consejo, Venezuela. From a young age, he supported Venezuela's fight for independence from Spain. In August 1810, he joined the new government's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In March 1811, the first Venezuelan Congress sent him on an important mission. He traveled to the United States with Telésforo de Orea. They met with President James Madison and the Secretary of State. Their goal was to get the U.S. to recognize Venezuela's independence. However, their mission did not lead to a firm agreement. This was partly because the First Republic of Venezuela fell in July 1812.
Working with Simón Bolívar
After his mission, Revenga went to Cartagena de Indias. From 1815, he worked as a secretary for Simón Bolívar. Bolívar was a famous leader who helped many South American countries gain independence.
When Spanish royalist forces took back New Granada, Revenga returned to the United States in 1816. There, he helped Francisco Javier Mina plan an expedition to free Mexico. However, Revenga did not join the expedition. He chose to return to Venezuela in 1818. That same year, he helped start a weekly newspaper called Correo del Orinoco in Angostura. This newspaper was important for spreading ideas about independence.
Diplomatic Achievements
In 1822, José Rafael Revenga became the Minister Plenipotentiary of Gran Colombia to Britain. This meant he was a top diplomat representing Gran Colombia in the United Kingdom. He successfully negotiated for Great Britain to recognize Gran Colombia as an independent country. This was a huge step for the new nation.
Revenga also spoke up for Venezuela's land claims. He complained to the British government on behalf of Simón Bolívar. This was about British settlers in the Essequibo territory. Venezuela claimed this land. Revenga stated that these settlers had taken land that belonged to Venezuela. He said they should follow Venezuelan laws or leave the area.
José Rafael Revenga passed away on March 9, 1852. He is buried in the National Pantheon of Venezuela. This is a special place where important Venezuelan heroes are laid to rest.
See also
In Spanish: José Rafael Revenga para niños
