Juan Bautista Gill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Juan Bautista Gill
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| 6th President of Paraguay | |
| In office November 25, 1874 – April 12, 1877 |
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| Vice President | Higinio Uriarte |
| Preceded by | Salvador Jovellanos |
| Succeeded by | Higinio Uriarte |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 28, 1840 Asunción, Paraguay |
| Died | April 12, 1877 (aged 36) Villarrica, Paraguay |
| Spouse | María Concepción Díaz de Bedoya |
Juan Bautista Gill García (born October 28, 1840 – died April 12, 1877) was the President of Paraguay. He served from November 25, 1874, until his death on April 12, 1877. He is the only Paraguayan President who was killed while still in office.
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Early Life and Family
Juan Bautista Gill was born in Asunción, Paraguay. His family was well-known in the area. His grandfather, Don Juan Miguel Gill, was important in Paraguay's fight for independence. He was also part of the Cabildo, which was like an early city council.
In 1854, Juan Bautista Gill traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina. There, he studied at a high school and began training to be a doctor, though he did not finish his medical studies. He returned to Paraguay in 1863.
Gill's Role in the Paraguayan War
When the Paraguayan War started against Argentina, Gill joined the army. He was part of the 40th battalion, which included many young men from important families. Because he had some medical knowledge, he worked in the military health division. He helped as a medical orderly.
Gill was captured in December 1868 during the Battle of Lomas Valentinas. In January 1869, he was among those who returned to Asunción. The Allied forces released him and others. They were set free on the condition that they would not join the army again.
Stepping into Politics
After the war, on January 25, 1869, Gill attended a meeting. This meeting was called to ask the Allied forces, who were occupying Paraguay, to set up a temporary government. Many people at this meeting later became important government officials.
Gill supported the interests of Brazil and relied on their military help during political struggles. He was in favor of signing the Loizaga – Cotegipe Treaty with Brazil. This treaty helped shape Paraguay's future.
Early Government Roles
From 1870 to 1871, Gill served as the Minister of Finance of Paraguay. This role meant he was in charge of the country's money. In 1872, he became the President of the Senate.
However, in March 1872, Gill faced accusations about how he handled money. The Senate removed him from his position. In response, President Cirilo Antonio Rivarola dissolved the Congress. But then, Rivarola himself was forced to resign. Gill had worked with the Brazilians to remove Rivarola, hoping to become President.
Yet, with the support of General Benigno Ferreira, Salvador Jovellanos became the new President instead. Before Gill could try to remove Jovellanos, General Ferreira ordered Gill's arrest. Gill was then sent out of the country.
Presidency of Paraguay
In 1874, President Jovellanos was forced out of power. This happened after a rebellion led by General Bernardino Caballero and Candido Barreiro. Juan Bautista Gill then served as the Minister of Finance of Paraguay again, from February to November 1874.
Finally, on November 25, 1874, Juan Bautista Gill became the President of Paraguay. His cousin, Higinio Uriarte, served as his Vice President. After Gill's death, Uriarte became President for the rest of the term.
Key Decisions as President
During his time as president, Gill made several important changes. He introduced paper money to the country. He also created the National College in the capital city, which was a big step for education. He also significantly increased taxes to help the country's economy. The Civil Code of Argentina, a set of laws, was also adapted for use in Paraguay.
To make the country's economy stronger, Gill started the Tobacco Monopoly on April 22, 1875. This law meant that the government controlled the export of tobacco for five years. Individuals were not allowed to export or import tobacco products. Later, the same law was applied to soap and salt trade for three years.
Treaties and Challenges
President Gill did not agree with the 1875 Sosa–Tejedor Treaty. This treaty would have given parts of the Chaco region to Argentina. Instead, on February 3, 1876, a new treaty was signed with Argentina. This treaty covered boundaries, peace, trade, and navigation.
Foreign Minister Facundo Machaín negotiated and signed the Machaín-Irigoyen Treaty. Under this treaty, Paraguay officially gave up the Misiones Province and the southern part of the Paraná River. It also gave up some of the Gran Chaco territory, but kept most of it. This treaty also allowed the Allied forces to leave Paraguay by July 3, 1876.
Like other presidents before him, Gill's government faced challenges. A revolt started in Caacupé in December 1875. It was led by General Serrano, who had been Gill's Minister of Interior. Brazilian forces supported this uprising. The rebellion ended after Serrano and other rebels were killed.
Assassination
Sadly, internal political problems led to a plan to kill President Gill. This plot was made by Juan Silvano Godoi.
On April 12, 1877, around 10 in the morning, President Gill was traveling with two high-ranking officers. They were on Villarrica street (now called President Franco street). As they crossed Independencia Nacional street, three gunmen shot him. He died instantly. Among the attackers were Nicanor Silvano Godoi, who was Juan Silvano Godoi's brother, and two others named Molas and Goiburu. Later that same day, Gill's brother, General Emilio Gill, was also killed.
Juan Silvano Godoi escaped to Argentina. He returned to Paraguay in 1895 and became the director of the National Library of Paraguay. Godoi had hoped that his actions would bring President Rivarola back into office. However, instead, it led to the arrest and murder of Facundo Machaín and other people suspected of being involved.
The poet Dr. Prospero Pereira Gamba, who lived in Argentina, wrote about this sad event in his work "The Spectre."
Images for kids
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Juan Bautista Gill
See also
In Spanish: Juan Bautista Gill para niños
