José de Diego facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
José de Diego
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De Diego in 1898
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| Born | April 16, 1866 Aguadilla, Puerto Rico |
| Died | July 16, 1918 (aged 52) New York, New York, United States |
| Resting place | Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery |
| Occupation | Statesman, poet, attorney, legislator, journalist |
| Language | Spanish |
| Nationality | Spanish - Puerto Rican Province |
| Education | Polytechnic College of Logroño |
| Alma mater | University of Barcelona JD University of Habana (1891) |
| Period | 1881–1918 |
| Notable works | A Laura |
| Spouse | Georgina Blanes |
| Children | José, Elisa Estrella, Georgina |
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José de Diego y Martínez (born April 16, 1866 – died July 16, 1918) was an important figure in Puerto Rico's history. He was a statesman (a skilled leader in government), a journalist, a poet, and a lawyer. He strongly believed that Puerto Rico should have its own government. First, he wanted Puerto Rico to be self-governing while still connected to Spain. Later, he pushed for Puerto Rico to become completely independent from the United States. Many people called him "The Father of the Puerto Rican Independence Movement" because of his dedication.
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Early Life and Education
José de Diego was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. His father, Felipe de Diego Parajón, was a Spanish Army Officer. His mother, Elisa Martínez Muñiz, was from Puerto Rico.
José de Diego first went to elementary school in Aguadilla. Then, he traveled to Spain to continue his studies. He attended the Instituto Politecnico de Logroño. Later, he studied law at the University of Barcelona. While in Spain, he also wrote for a newspaper called El Progreso (meaning Progress). This newspaper criticized the political situation in Puerto Rico. Because of his writings, he was arrested several times. This led to him being expelled from the University of Barcelona. He was eventually forced to leave Spain.
After returning to Puerto Rico, he later went to Cuba. There, he finished his law degree at the University of Havana.
A Gift for Poetry
In 1886, José de Diego wrote a famous poem called "A Laura" ("To Laura"). This poem became very popular among writers and readers who loved romantic poetry. He soon became known as the "Father" of the "Modern Puerto Rican Poetry Movement."
Some of his well-known poetry books include:
- Pomarrosas
- Jovillos
- Cantos de Rebeldía (Songs of Rebellion)
- Cantos del Pitirre (Songs of the Pitirre, a type of bird)
Dreams of Caribbean Unity
After finishing his law degree, José de Diego returned to Puerto Rico. He wanted Puerto Rico to have more control over its own government, separate from Spain. At that time, Spain had a very centralized government. Many regions, including Puerto Rico, wanted to bring back a system where they had more local power.
De Diego started his law practice in Arecibo. He also founded a newspaper called La República (The Republic). In 1887, he helped create the Autonomist Party with Román Baldorioty de Castro. This party worked to gain more self-rule for Puerto Rico.
De Diego had a big idea: he wanted to create a group of Spanish-speaking islands in the Caribbean. This group, called the Antillean Confederation, would include the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. He believed these islands should work together.
In 1897, Spain finally gave Puerto Rico a special agreement called the Charter of Autonomy. This meant Puerto Rico became a self-governing province within the Spanish kingdom. José de Diego was named Vice-Minister of Justice and Grace in this new government. However, Puerto Rico's self-rule under Spain did not last long. The United States soon invaded the island.
A Leader in Politics
When the United States took control of Puerto Rico in 1898, José de Diego and other thinkers first felt positive. They hoped Puerto Ricans would become U.S. citizens with equal rights. De Diego even wrote poems about this hope. However, as the U.S. military occupation continued, he saw that things were not as he expected.
On June 5, 1900, U.S. President William McKinley appointed de Diego to an Executive Cabinet. This cabinet worked under the U.S.-appointed Governor Charles H. Allen. De Diego later resigned from this position. He wanted to fight for Puerto Rico's right to govern itself.
In 1904, he helped start the Unionist Party. Other important leaders like Luis Muñoz Rivera and Antonio R. Barceló were also part of this party.
De Diego was elected to the House of Delegates. This was the only part of the government that Puerto Ricans could elect themselves. He served as the president of this house from 1904 to 1917. The House of Delegates voted for Puerto Rico's independence and self-government. They also voted against making Puerto Ricans U.S. citizens. However, the United States did not agree to these requests.
In 1917, the U.S. passed the Jones-Shafroth Act. This act made Puerto Ricans U.S. citizens. José de Diego was against this law. He believed it would make it harder for Puerto Rico to become independent. Because of his strong belief in independence, he became known as the "Father of the Puerto Rican Independence Movement."
Later Years and Legacy
José de Diego married Georgina Blanes in 1900. They had three children together.
He also played a key role in founding the "Colegio de Agricultura y Artes Mecánicas de Mayagüez" (College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts of Mayagüez). Today, this is known as the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez.
De Diego traveled to other Caribbean islands and Spain. He sought support for Puerto Rico's independence from what he called "Los hermanos de la misma raza" (Brothers of the same race). After a speech in Barcelona, he was called the "Caballero de la Raza" (The Gentleman of the Race).
José de Diego passed away in New York City on July 16, 1918, at the age of 52. His body was brought back to Puerto Rico. He is buried in the Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery in San Juan.
Puerto Rico remembers José de Diego as a hero. His birthday is an official holiday. Many schools, streets, and even a highway are named after him. The main plaza in his hometown of Aguadilla, the Plaza José de Diego, is named in his honor. There are also schools named after him in cities like Chicago, Illinois, Brooklyn, New York, and Miami, Florida.
Images for kids
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Statue of José de Diego in the plaza in Aguadilla barrio-pueblo
See also
- Edificio José de Diego
- List of Puerto Ricans
- List of Puerto Rican writers
- Puerto Rican literature
