José Inácio de Abreu e Lima facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
José Inácio de Abreu e Lima
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Abreu e Lima
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| Birth name | José Inácio de Abreu e Lima |
| Born | April 6, 1794 Recife, Captaincy of Pernambuco, Colonial Brazil |
| Died | August 3, 1869 (aged 75) Recife, Province of Pernambuco, Empire of Brazil |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves Gran Colombia |
| Battles/wars | Venezuelan War of Independence
Bolívar's campaign to liberate New Granada |
José Inácio de Abreu e Lima (born April 6, 1794 – died March 8, 1869) was a brave Brazilian soldier, a smart politician, a writer, and a journalist. Even though he was born in Brazil, he played a big part in the wars that helped countries in South America become free from Spain. Because of his important role, he is often called General Abreu y Lima. He was one of the trusted generals of Simón Bolívar, a famous leader who helped many countries in Hispanic America gain their independence.
Early Life and Education
José Inácio de Abreu e Lima was born in Recife, Brazil, on April 6, 1794. At that time, Recife was the main city of the captaincy of Pernambuco. A "captaincy" was like a large region or state in Colonial Brazil.
His family was very wealthy and well-known. They owned large farms. The Abreu e Lima family also believed strongly in education. They made sure their children learned about philosophy, science, and different languages.
José Inácio studied hard and became a captain in the artillery. He graduated from the Royal Military Academy in Rio de Janeiro in 1816.
Family Troubles and a New Path
José Inácio's father, José Inácio Ribeiro de Abreu e Lima, was known as Padre Roma. He was a leader in the Pernambucan Revolt of 1817. This was a rebellion against the government.
After the rebellion was stopped, Padre Roma was sentenced to death. This was because he tried to get another region to join the revolt. Back then, the laws in Portugal were very strict. If someone was found guilty of going against the king, their family could also be punished.
Because of this, José Inácio's military career in Brazil ended. He and his brother were sent to prison.
Joining Simón Bolívar
In 1818, José Inácio and his brother, Luis Inácio, managed to escape from prison. They traveled to the United States. This country was seen as a place of new ideas about freedom.
From there, José Inácio went to Venezuela, stopping in Puerto Rico along the way. Once in Venezuela, he wrote to Simón Bolívar. Bolívar was leading the fight for independence in South America. José Inácio volunteered to join Bolívar's army as a captain.
He served in Bolívar's army for 13 years, until 1831. This was shortly after Bolívar passed away in December 1830. In his first letter to Bolívar, Abreu e Lima promised to "sacrifice himself for the independence and freedom of Venezuela, and for all of South America."
After Bolívar's death, the new government did not recognize José Inácio's military rank.
See also
In Spanish: José Ignacio Abreu y Lima para niños
