José Fernando de Abascal y Sousa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Most Excellent
The Marquess of Concordia
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 38th Viceroy of Peru | |
| In office August 20, 1806 – July 7, 1816 |
|
| Monarch | Charles IV |
| Prime Minister | Manuel de Godoy |
| Preceded by | Gabriel de Avilés |
| Succeeded by | Joaquín de la Pezuela |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 3, 1743 Oviedo, Spain |
| Died | 30 June 1821 (aged 78) Madrid, Spain |
José Fernando de Abascal y Sousa was a Spanish military officer and important leader. He was born in Oviedo, Spain, on June 3, 1743. He passed away in Madrid on June 30, 1821.
Abascal served as the Viceroy of Peru from August 20, 1806, to July 7, 1816. A viceroy was like a governor who ruled a colony for the king of Spain. He held this role during a very important time: the Spanish American wars of independence. These were wars where many Spanish colonies in America fought to become independent countries.
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
José Fernando de Abascal came from a noble family. When he was 19, he joined the Spanish army. He served for 20 years and became a colonel. Later, he was promoted to brigadier during a war against France.
In 1796, he helped defend Havana, a city in Cuba, from the British. A few years later, in 1799, he was made a commanding general in Nueva Galicia (which is now western Mexico). He started this job in 1800.
In 1804, he was chosen to be the viceroy of Río de la Plata (in what is now Argentina). However, he never took that job. In the same year, he was instead named the viceroy of Peru.
Viceroy of Peru: His Time in Lima
Abascal could not start his job in Lima until 1806. This was because the British captured him during his trip from Spain.
Once he was in office, Abascal made many changes. He improved education and reorganized the army. He also stopped local rebellions.
Public Health and Natural Events
The Balmis Expedition arrived in Lima on May 23, 1806. This group was spreading the smallpox vaccine across the Spanish Empire. Abascal ordered many people in Lima to be vaccinated.
In December 1806, a strong earthquake shook Lima for two minutes. It caused damage and cost a lot of money to fix the city walls. People in Lima also saw comets in 1807 and 1811.
In 1810, the San Fernando medical school was started. Later, in 1812 and 1813, there was a big fire in Guayaquil (now in Ecuador). A hurricane hit Lima, and earthquakes happened in Ica and Piura.
The Wars of Independence
When the revolution began in Buenos Aires in May 1810, Abascal acted quickly. He took back several provinces in Alto Perú (now Bolivia) and added them to the Viceroyalty of Peru. These areas had been separated from Peru earlier. His army also won a battle against rebels in Alto Perú.
He also brought Chile and Quito (now Ecuador) back under Peru's control. These areas had also been separated from Peru before.
Abascal strongly believed in absolute monarchy, meaning a king or queen should have all the power. He worked hard to stop the independence movements in Spanish America. He made Peru a strong center for those who supported the Spanish king.
Even though he supported the king, he also helped the Cortes of Cádiz. This was a Spanish government that fought against Napoleon when Napoleon invaded Spain. Abascal sent money and supplies to them. During his time, the Inquisition in Lima was temporarily closed due to reforms by the Cortes.
Because Peru was so far from Spain, and because of the wars, Abascal governed almost independently. He tried to prevent the new liberal Spanish Constitution of 1812 from being used in Peru. This led to revolts in Cusco, Tacna, and Arequipa, but Abascal's forces stopped them.
Mining and Military Support
In 1812, Abascal supported a plan to bring steam engines to Peru. These engines, made by engineer Richard Trevithick, would help pump water out of silver mines. This would allow miners to dig deeper and get more silver.
In 1814, a Spanish force arrived in Peru to fight the rebels. Abascal sent troops to Chile. Many local people in southern Chile joined these forces because they did not support the independence movement.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1812, Abascal was given the title of "Marqués de la Concordia." This means Marquess of Concordia.
In 1816, he asked to be recalled, meaning he wanted to return to Spain. His request was granted, and General Joaquín de la Pezuela took his place as viceroy. Abascal died in 1821 at the age of 79.
See also
- Peruvian War of Independence
- Bolivian War of Independence
- Chilean War of Independence
- Royalist (Spanish American Revolution)
Images for kids
-
José Fernando de Abascal y Sousa, 1st Marquess of Concordia
