José Yves Limantour facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
José Yves Limantour
|
|
|---|---|
José Yves Limantour in 1910
|
|
| Mexican Secretary of Finance | |
| In office 6 May 1893 – 25 May 1911 |
|
| President | Porfirio Díaz |
| Preceded by | Matías Romero |
| Succeeded by | Ernesto Madero |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
José Yves Limantour Marquet
26 December 1854 Mexico City |
| Died | 26 August 1935 (aged 80) Paris, France |
| Resting place | Montmartre Cemetery |
| Spouse |
María Cañas y Buch
(m. 1880) |
| Parents | Joseph Yves Limantour and Adela Marquet |
José Yves Limantour Marquet (born December 26, 1854 – died August 26, 1935) was an important Mexican leader. He worked as the Secretary of Finance for Mexico. This job is like being the country's main money manager. He held this position from 1893 until 1911. During this time, Porfirio Díaz was the president of Mexico.
Limantour made big changes to Mexico's money system. He helped set up the gold standard. This meant that the value of Mexico's money was directly linked to gold. He also made sure that only government-made coins were used. By 1899, he had secured Mexico's national debt with help from foreign banks. When the Mexican Revolution began, Mexico's finances were very strong. Before the revolution, many people thought he might become the next president after Díaz.
Early Life and Education
José Limantour was born in Mexico City, Mexico, on December 26, 1854. His father, Joseph Yves Limantour, was a ship captain from France. His mother, Adela Marquet, was also from France. His family became very rich by buying and selling land. This happened especially in Baja California and Mexico City. They bought land that the Liberal Party had taken from the church.
When he was 14, Limantour traveled to Europe for school. After returning to Mexico, he went to the National Preparatory School. He later earned a law degree. He also studied economics and management. When President Díaz first came to power, Limantour taught at a business school and a law school. He also wrote for a legal newspaper called El Foro from 1877 to 1882.
Leading Mexico's Money
After another important leader, Matías Romero, passed away in 1895, Limantour became a key figure. He was seen as the leader of a group called científicos. These "scientists" were highly educated people who advised President Díaz. They wanted Mexico to become more modern and prosperous. They supported Díaz because he worked to improve the country. However, they also wanted more freedom for people.
As Secretary of Finance, Limantour brought more foreign money into Mexico. He supported free trade, which means making it easier to buy and sell goods with other countries. He also managed the country's money so well that Mexico had a balanced budget. By 1894, Mexico even had extra money in its budget. Even though businesses in Mexico were doing well, many ordinary people found it hard to live. The cost of food went up, which made life difficult for them.
As President Díaz's time in office was ending, Díaz felt Limantour was becoming too powerful. So, he sent Limantour to Europe to arrange some loans. Later, when Díaz's government was about to fall, Limantour came back to Mexico. He encouraged President Díaz to step down. He also helped arrange Díaz's departure from Mexico in 1911. Díaz went to live in Paris.
Life After Mexico
A week after President Díaz left for Europe, Limantour also left Mexico. He traveled by train to New York City. In July 1911, he arrived in Paris. Díaz was staying at a seaside resort nearby. Limantour and Díaz wrote letters to each other. But they did not meet often at first. Díaz was upset because he heard Limantour tried to get a job in the new government. This was with the revolutionary leader, Francisco I. Madero.
Limantour had good connections with the Madero family. He had worked as their business agent in Mexico City. However, Madero chose his uncle, Ernesto Madero, to be the new Secretary of Finance. Ernesto was an experienced banker. Eventually, Díaz and Limantour became friends again.
Limantour stayed in France for the rest of his life. He became a member of an important French science academy. He was also given a high honor called the French Legion of Honor. He passed away in Paris on August 26, 1935. By then, many people had forgotten about him.
See also
In Spanish: José Yves Limantour para niños
