Lorenzo de Zavala facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lorenzo de Zavala
Vice President of the Republic of Texas
Interim
In office 16 March 1836 – 17 October 1836
President	David G. Burnet
Preceded by	Office established
Succeeded by	Mirabeau B. Lamar
Governor of the State of Mexico
In office 15 August 1831 – 1 December 1832
President	Melchor Múzquiz
Succeeded by	Félix María Aburou
In office 8 March 1826 – 19 April 1826
President	Melchor Múzquiz
Succeeded by	Mariano Esteva y Ulibarri
Secretary of Finance of the United Mexican States
In office 18 April 1829 – 2 November 1829
President	Francisco Moctezuma
Succeeded by	José María Bocanegra
Representative for Yucatán in the Congress of Deputies of Spain
In office 1820–1822
Personal details
Born	October 3, 1788 Tecoh, Yucatán, Viceroyalty of New Spain
Died	November 15, 1836(1836-11-15) (aged 48) Channelview, Republic of Texas

Lorenzo de Zavala (born October 3, 1788 – died November 15, 1836) was a very important person in the history of both Mexico and Texas. He was a doctor, a politician, a diplomat, and a writer. Born in Yucatán when it was part of Spanish New Spain, he played a big role in creating the first constitution for Mexico in 1824, after Mexico became independent from Spain. Later, he also helped write the constitution for the Republic of Texas in 1836, when Texas sought its own independence. Lorenzo de Zavala was known for being very smart and could speak many languages.

From a young age, Zavala strongly believed in democracy, where people choose their leaders. He started newspapers and wrote many articles sharing his ideas for a better government. These writings were critical of the Spanish rulers, and because of them, he was put in jail for three years. While in prison, he used his time wisely. He learned English and studied medical books. When he was released, he was skilled enough to work as a doctor for two years before getting involved in politics again.

Throughout his life, Zavala held many important jobs. He served in the Spanish government in Madrid, representing Yucatán. After Mexico's independence, he became a senator in Mexico. He was also Mexico's Minister of Finance and even served as an Ambassador to France and Governor of the State of Mexico. In 1829, a change in government forced Zavala to leave Mexico and live in the United States for two years. During this time, he wrote a book about American politics and traveled around Europe. Because he was so intelligent and could speak many languages, he was welcomed by leaders in other countries.

In 1832, Zavala returned to Mexico and was again appointed as Minister to France. While he was in Paris, the government in Mexico changed once more. Antonio López de Santa Anna began to create a new government that replaced the Mexican Constitution Zavala had helped write. Zavala disagreed with these changes and resigned from his job in protest. He and his family then moved to Texas. At that time, Texas, like other Mexican states, was unhappy with Santa Anna's new rules that took away power from the states. Zavala eventually supported Texas becoming independent from Mexico. He helped write the new Texas Constitution and served as its vice president until he became too sick to continue.

Today, people in Mexico have different views about Zavala. Some historians praise his political ideas and his important role in Mexico's early years. However, others see him as a traitor because he helped Texas separate from Mexico. In Texas, he is celebrated as a founding father and a state hero. Many places in Texas are named after him, including a county, a city, schools, and public buildings.

Early Life and Education

Lorenzo de Zavala was born on October 3, 1788, in Tecoh, Yucatán. His parents were criollos, which means they were of Spanish descent but born in Mexico. His family had lived in Yucatán for several generations. His father worked as a notary, a type of legal official.

Zavala went to school in Mérida, the capital of Yucatán. He studied subjects like Latin, philosophy, and theology. After finishing school, he started a newspaper called The Universal Critic. He wrote many articles sharing his ideas about democracy. These ideas became very important throughout his political life.

Because his writings criticized the Spanish rulers, Zavala was put in jail for three years when he was 26 years old (from 1814 to 1817). While in prison, he used his time wisely. He learned English and studied medical books. When he was released, he was skilled enough to work as a doctor for two years before returning to politics.

A Life in Politics

Zavala started his political career as a secretary for the local government in Yucatán. This led to him being elected to the Spanish legislature in Madrid, where he represented Yucatán. After Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, Zavala returned home. He was elected to Mexico's new national congress, again representing Yucatán.

He joined a group tasked with writing the constitution for the new Federal Republic of Mexico. In 1824, he was chosen as President of the group that created the constitution. He was the first person to sign the Mexican Federal Constitution of 1824. He then served in the Mexican Senate from 1824 to 1826. In 1829, he became the Minister of Finance. However, after only six months, the government changed, and Zavala was put under house arrest. He then left Mexico and went to live in the United States.

Time in Exile

While living outside Mexico, Zavala continued his studies and writing. He wrote a book called Journey to the United States of North America. In this book, he shared his thoughts on the American political system and culture from a Mexican perspective. He also wrote a two-volume history of Mexico called Historical essay of the Revolutions of Mexico from 1808 to 1830.

He lived in New York but also spent time in England and France. Because he was so intelligent and could speak Spanish, English, and French, he was well-liked in other countries. He even became a member of the Geographical and Scientific Society of France.

Standing Up to Santa Anna

Zavala's time in exile ended in 1832. He returned to Mexico and became the governor of the State of Mexico. Later, President Antonio López de Santa Anna appointed him as Minister to France. While in Paris, Zavala realized that Santa Anna was taking too much power and not following the Mexican Constitution of 1824, which Zavala had helped write.

Zavala strongly disagreed with Santa Anna's actions. He resigned from his position in France to protest. Santa Anna then ordered Zavala to return to Mexico City. For his family's safety, Zavala decided to move them to Texas, where he owned land.

Moving to Texas

Lorenzo de Zavala in México, su evolución social by Justo Sierra

Zavala arrived in Texas in 1835 by steamboat. He briefly shared a house with his good friend Stephen F. Austin, who is known as "the Father of Texas." Zavala and Austin, along with David G. Burnet (who later became the Interim President of Texas), had received Empresario Grants from the Mexican Government. These grants encouraged new settlers to come to Texas.

Zavala had bought a home on 177 acres in Harris County, Texas, called Zavala Point. Many people in this area, especially those from the United States, were used to democratic governments. They were unhappy with Santa Anna's rule, and a rebellion was starting. Santa Anna was upset by what he saw as outside interference and sent troops to stop the rebellion.

At first, Zavala hoped to change the Mexican government and bring back democracy, with Texas as one of Mexico's states. However, he soon realized this would not happen. He then began to support Texas becoming independent from Mexico. Despite orders from Santa Anna to capture him, Zavala was safe because he had become an important ally to Texans seeking independence. His experience in government, language skills, and diplomatic background made him perfect for helping to write the new Constitution of the Republic of Texas. He was the only one among them with actual experience writing such a document.

In March 1836, delegates met in Washington-on-the-Brazos to write and sign the Declaration of Independence for the Republic of Texas. Zavala helped write the new constitution and served as vice president in the temporary government. He also played a role in designing a flag for Texas. During this time, the delegates learned that the Alamo was under attack. After the Alamo fell, Santa Anna's forces advanced, forcing the delegates to flee.

When Santa Anna's troops neared Zavala's home, Zavala and his family fled down the San Jacinto River. They waited with other families for a steamer to take them to safety on Galveston Island. Nearby, Santa Anna's army faced Texas General Sam Houston's forces on April 21, 1836, at the Battle of San Jacinto. Santa Anna was defeated and captured.

A few months later, Zavala's health began to decline. He resigned from his position as vice president on October 17, 1836, and returned home. Less than a month after his resignation, his rowboat overturned in Buffalo Bayou, and he became very cold. Zavala developed pneumonia and died at his home on November 15, 1836. He was buried in a small cemetery plot at his home, and his grave was later moved to the San Jacinto Battleground Park.

Personal Life

In 1807, Zavala married Teresa Correa y Corres. They had three children: a son named Lorenzo Jr., a daughter named Manuela, and another daughter who passed away as a baby. Teresa died in 1831.

While in exile, Zavala remarried. He married Emily West in New York on November 12, 1831. They had a son, Augustine, and two daughters. Augustine's daughter, Adina Emilia De Zavala, later became famous for her efforts to preserve the Alamo as a historic site.

Freemasons and Connections

Zavala and his friends secretly started the first Masonic Lodge in Yucatán. This lodge received its official recognition in 1817. His connections with other Masons helped him build many political relationships before Mexico gained independence.

Zavala was also important in establishing a different type of Masonry in Mexico in 1826. He became the leader of the Independencia Lodge No. 454 and held this position until his exile in 1830. The Grand Lodge of Texas recognizes him as a "Masonic Hero."

His Legacy Today

Lorenzo de Zavala remains a figure of debate in Mexico. Historians often praise his democratic ideas and his important role in the early history of the nation. However, some still consider him a traitor for helping Texas become independent from Mexico. On the other hand, Texans see him as a founding father and a state hero.

Zavala's criticisms of Santa Anna were very important to the leaders of the Texas Revolution. They used his ideas to describe their new nation.

Places Named After Zavala

Many places in Texas are named in honor of Lorenzo de Zavala. The town of Zavala, Texas, was named for him in Jasper County in 1834, though it no longer exists. A village about 20 miles away in Angelina County, called Zavalla (with a slightly different spelling), is also named after him.

In 1858, 22 years after his death, the Texas Legislature named Zavala County in his honor. Zavala County is in southern Texas. His name also appears on many public buildings and schools, including the Texas State Library and Archives Commission building in Austin. The National Hispanic Institute named its Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session program after him.

Images for kids

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  The Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building in downtown Austin, which houses the headquarters of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission

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  Lorenzo de Zavala Elementary School in Crystal City, Texas

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  Texas Historical Marker in De Zavala Plaza, Harris County, Texas

Schools Named After Zavala

Many schools across Texas are named in honor of Lorenzo de Zavala:

• Lorenzo de Zavala Elementary School, Baytown, Texas
• Lorenzo de Zavala Elementary School, San Marcos, Texas
• De Zavala Elementary, Channelview, Texas
• Lorenzo de Zavala Elementary School, Crystal City, Texas
• Lorenzo de Zavala Elementary School, Dallas, Texas
• Zavala Elementary School, El Paso, Texas
• Lorenzo de Zavala Elementary School, Fort Worth, Texas
• Lorenzo de Zavala Elementary School, Grand Prairie, Texas
• Lorenzo de Zavala Elementary School, Harlingen Texas
• Lorenzo de Zavala Elementary School, Houston, Texas (Magnolia Park Neighborhood)
• Lorenzo de Zavala Elementary School, Midland, Texas
• Lorenzo de Zavala Elementary School, San Antonio, Texas
• Lorenzo de Zavala Middle School, Amarillo, Texas
• Lorenzo de Zavala Middle School, Irving, Texas
• Lorenzo de Zavala Middle School, La Joya, Texas
• Lorenzo de Zavala Environmental Science Academy, Grand Prairie, Texas
• Zavala Elementary School, Austin, Texas

Other Tributes to Lorenzo de Zavala

• Zavala County, Texas
• De Zavala Rd, a major road in San Antonio, Texas
• Lorenzo De Zavala Lodge #1397, Masonic Lodge, Houston, Texas
• City of Zavalla, Texas
• Lorenzo de Zavala Texas State Library and Archives Commission, Austin, Texas
• Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session, National Hispanic Institute (with programs in San Antonio, Texas; Rochester, New York; San Diego, California; Fort Collins, Colorado; Joliet, Illinois; and Panama City, Panama)
• Zavala Hispanic Cultural Initiative (A non-profit organization promoting education, art and culture in Wichita Falls, Texas)
• Lorenzo de Zavala middle school in Amarillo, Texas

See also

In Spanish: Lorenzo de Zavala para niños