José Mariano Michelena facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
José Mariano Michelena
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| Member of Supreme Executive Power | |
| In office April 1, 1823 – October 10, 1824 |
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| Preceded by | Constitutional Monarchy Agustín I |
| Succeeded by | Federal Republic Guadalupe Victoria |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 14, 1772 Valladolid, New Spain |
| Died | May 10, 1852 (aged 79) Morelia, Mexico |
| Occupation | Soldier |
| Signature |  |
José Mariano Michelena (sometimes José Mariano de Michelena) (born July 14, 1772, in Valladolid, which is now Michoacán, and died May 10, 1852, in Valladolid) was an important soldier and politician. He lived during a time when Mexico was becoming independent from Spain. He was one of the first people to secretly plan for Mexico's freedom. He is also famous for bringing coffee plants to Mexico, which started the country's coffee industry.
Contents
Michelena's Early Life and Education
José Mariano Michelena came from a well-known and comfortable family. He studied at the University of Mexico and became a lawyer. In 1806, he joined the army as a lieutenant in the La Corona infantry regiment.
While at an army camp in Jalapa, he became friends with other military officers like Ignacio Allende and Juan Aldama. These friends later became key figures in the fight for Mexico's independence. After his time in Jalapa, he moved to Mexico City. In October 1808, he was sent back to Valladolid to find new soldiers for his regiment.
The Valladolid Plot for Independence
In Valladolid, Michelena joined a secret group that wanted Mexico to be independent. His brother Nicolás was also part of this group. Other members included Captains Manuel García Obeso and Manuel Muñiz, and Father Vicente de Santa María.
They were worried because France had taken over Spain. The group planned a revolution in cities like Celaya, San Miguel el Grande, and Zamora. Michelena was sent to Guanajuato to find more people to join their cause.
Spanish authorities discovered this secret plan on December 21, 1809. The people involved, including Michelena, were arrested and held in a convent. The viceroy of New Spain, Archbishop Francisco Javier de Lizana y Beaumont, ordered them to Mexico City to speak with them.
The conspirators argued that they were loyal to King Ferdinand VII of Spain, who had been forced to give up his throne by Napoleon. They suggested forming a special council, called a junta, to govern New Spain in the king's name. The viceroy did not find them guilty of any crime and ordered them to be set free. This decision made many pro-Spanish people very upset. After this, Michelena went back to his army duties in Jalapa.
Fighting for Spain in Europe
When Father Miguel Hidalgo started the Mexican independence movement in September 1810, Michelena was arrested again. He was held prisoner in San Juan de Ulúa in Veracruz until 1813. After that, he was sent to Spain. He got very sick with rheumatism while in prison.
In Spain, he joined the military and fought against the French during the Peninsular War. He took part in many battles, including the capture of Bayonne in February 1814. He continued to serve in the army. In 1820, he was chosen to represent Michoacán in the Cortes, which was the Spanish parliament.
Returning Home to an Independent Mexico
Michelena learned that Mexico had successfully gained its independence. He returned to Mexico in 1822. He joined the Mexican army as a brigadier general, which is a high-ranking officer. He also became a representative in the Constituent Congress, a group that was creating Mexico's new government.
He opposed Emperor Agustín de Iturbide, who was Mexico's first emperor. Michelena supported the Plan de Casa Mata, a movement that led to Iturbide giving up his power on March 19, 1823.
Leading Mexico: A Temporary President
After Emperor Iturbide stepped down, the Congress chose three generals to lead the country temporarily. These were Pedro Celestino Negrete, Nicolás Bravo, and Guadalupe Victoria. They were meant to lead until a president could be elected.
However, Bravo and Victoria were not available at first. So, Michelena and Licenciado Miguel Domínguez were chosen to fill in for them. Michelena was the main leader of this temporary government from 1822 to 1824. He was, in effect, acting as the president of Mexico during this time.
During his leadership, he cancelled the Treaty of Córdoba and the Plan of Iguala, which were agreements from the time of Iturbide. When Nicolás Bravo returned, Michelena handed over his position to him on January 31, 1824. Later, Michelena was appointed as a special ambassador to Great Britain.
Later Life, Coffee, and Legacy
Michelena traveled to many places, including Rome, Greece, Palestine, and Arabia. From Arabia, he brought back coffee plants. He planted these on his large farm near Uruapan. This was the first time coffee was successfully grown in Mexico, starting a new industry for the country.
Later, he was a delegate to the Congress of America in Panama, which was organized by Simón Bolívar. Michelena believed in a federalist system of government, where states have more power, rather than a strong central government. Despite this, he served as the minister of war in the national government from April to October 1837. He also served as the governor of Michoacán.
He was a member of the Masons, a fraternal organization, and helped establish the York Rite branch in Mexico. José Mariano Michelena passed away in 1852 in his hometown of Valladolid.
See also
In Spanish: José Mariano de Michelena para niños
Images for kids
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Elderly José Mariano Michelena
