Juan Antonio de Vizarrón y Eguiarreta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Excellency Juan Antonio de Vizarrón |
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| Archbishop of Mexico | |
Portrait by José de Ibarra
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| Church | Roman Catholic Church |
| See | Mexico |
| Enthroned | 24 July 1730 |
| Reign ended | 25 January 1747 |
| Predecessor | José Lanciego y Eguilaz |
| Successor | Manuel Rubio y Salinas |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 2 September 1682 El Puerto de Santa María, Spain |
| Died | 25 January 1747 (aged 64) Mexico City, New Spain |
Juan Antonio de Vizarrón y Eguiarreta was an important leader in New Spain (which is now Mexico) during the 1700s. He was both the Archbishop of Mexico, a high religious position, and the Viceroy of New Spain, who was like the king's representative in the colony. He was born in Spain in 1682 and passed away in Mexico City in 1747.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Juan Antonio de Vizarrón y Eguiarreta studied at a special college in Rome. Before he became the Archbishop of Mexico, he held an important religious role in a church in Seville, Spain. He was also a chaplain, meaning a religious advisor, to the king of Spain. He officially became the Archbishop of Mexico on March 21, 1731.
Becoming a Leader in New Spain
In 1734, Juan Antonio de Vizarrón y Eguiarreta became the Viceroy of New Spain. He took over this role after the previous viceroy, Juan de Acuña, passed away. The king's secret orders had named Vizarrón y Eguiarreta as the next leader.
As viceroy, he made several important decisions. He took back property from a powerful duke who had fought against the king of Spain. He also made military forts, called presidios, stronger in an area called Coahuila. This was because the French were nearby and could be a threat.
Facing Challenges as Viceroy
Helping During Disasters
The years 1735 and 1736 brought many problems to New Spain. In 1735, a big storm flooded the settlement of San Augustín in Florida, and Vizarrón y Eguiarreta sent help.
The year 1736 was even worse. Strong winds caused damage, and a comet appeared in the sky. Many people were scared, thinking it meant bad things would happen. In October, a terrible sickness called matlazáhuatl (which might have been yellow fever or smallpox) spread near Mexico City. This disease killed tens of thousands of people, especially the native population.
Vizarrón y Eguiarreta worked hard to help. He ordered many public buildings to be used as hospitals for the sick. He also made a promise to the Virgin of Guadalupe in 1737, asking for help to end the sickness. He made sure that food was given to those who were ill.
Dealing with Rebellions and Conflicts
In 1736, new silver mines were found in Arizona, which led many miners to rush to the north.
A religious leader named Agustín Ascuchul appeared among the Guaima and Pima native groups in 1737. He claimed that a god had chosen him as a prophet and told the people to follow him to a new place. More than 5,000 native people left their homes to follow him. The governor of Sonora saw this as a rebellion and quickly stopped it, hanging the prophet.
The English were illegally bringing many goods into New Spain. Vizarrón y Eguiarreta tried to stop this trade. When the Spanish coast guard stopped four English ships, it almost caused a serious conflict. The English sent many warships, but the problem was solved peacefully. However, in 1739, England declared war on Spain. Vizarrón y Eguiarreta then made the military bases at San Juan de Ulúa and Veracruz stronger. He also sent weapons, soldiers, and money to Spanish military posts in Florida, Puerto Rico, Santo Domingo, and Cartagena.
He also sent help to Guatemala, where native uprisings had started. These rebels were getting weapons and help from the English in Belize.
Other Important Actions
Vizarrón y Eguiarreta continued to fight against banditry, which was a big problem. He sent a large amount of silver, two million pesos, to Spain. This money helped rebuild the Royal Palace in Madrid, which had been destroyed by a fire in 1734. During his time, the Mexico City mint (where coins are made) was finished, and streets were repaired. He also made changes to the coinage, which made some silver merchants unhappy.
Later Years and Contributions
In 1740, Juan Antonio de Vizarrón y Eguiarreta handed over his power as viceroy to Pedro de Castro. However, he continued to serve as the Archbishop of Mexico until he passed away in 1747. During his time as archbishop, he oversaw the building of the archbishop's palace and the College of San Fernando. He died on January 25, 1747, in Mexico City and was buried in the main cathedral there.
See also
In Spanish: Juan Antonio Vizarrón y Eguiarreta para niños
