Juan Domingo de Zuñiga y Fonseca facts for kids
Juan Domingo Méndez de Haro y Fernández de Córdoba was an important Spanish leader. He was born in Madrid on November 25, 1640, and passed away there on February 2, 1716. Juan Domingo was a skilled military general and a key political figure in Spain.
He was the son of Luis Méndez de Haro, who was the 6th Marquis of Carpio. His father was a very important advisor, like a Prime Minister, to King Philip IV of Spain. His mother was Catalina Fernández de Córdoba.
Contents
His Life and Career
Early Life and Family
Juan Domingo married a woman named Inés Francisca de Zúñiga y Fonseca. She was the 6th Countess of Monterrey. Her father was Fernando de Ayala, the third Count of Ayala. Juan Domingo also used his wife's family names and titles, which was common at the time.
Serving in the Netherlands
In 1667, Juan Domingo traveled to the Spanish Netherlands. This area is now parts of modern-day Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. He quickly rose through the ranks. By 1669, he became the Captain General of the Cavalry, which meant he was in charge of all the horse soldiers.
In 1670, he was given an even bigger job. He became the Governor of the Habsburg Netherlands. This meant he was the main leader and commander there, especially when the King's half-brother, Don John of Austria the Younger, was away.
Facing War
A big challenge came in 1671. France and the Netherlands were close to war. Spain decided to become allies with the Netherlands. Juan Domingo became the top Spanish commander in the northern region. He worked hard to prepare defenses. He made the Spanish fortresses along the French border stronger.
However, these efforts could not stop the Franco-Dutch War from happening between 1672 and 1678. Spain and its defenses played a smaller role in this war.
Return to Spain
Juan Domingo was called back to Spain on February 8, 1675. Two years later, on May 25, 1677, he was named the Viceroy of Catalonia. As Viceroy, he was the King's representative and leader in that region. There, he also had to deal with a French invasion.
In 1678, he returned to Madrid. He became the President of Flanders, a role that dealt with the Spanish Netherlands from Spain. In 1693, he joined the State Council, which was a very important group of advisors to the King.
Later, in 1705, during the reign of the French King Philip V of Spain, Juan Domingo left the State Council.
Later Life
In 1710, his wife passed away. They did not have any children. After this, Juan Domingo decided to dedicate the rest of his life to God. He became a Catholic priest.
| Government offices
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Iñigo Fernandez de Velasco |
Governor-General of the Spanish Netherlands 1670–1675 |
Succeeded by Carlos de Gurrea, Duke of Villahermosa |
See also
In Spanish: Juan Domingo de Haro para niños
