Lucio Norberto Mansilla facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lucio Norberto Mansilla
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Portrait by Carlos Pellegrini
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| Governor of Entre Ríos Province | |
| In office September 28, 1821 – February 12, 1824 |
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| Preceded by | None |
| Succeeded by | Juan León Sola |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 4, 1792 Buenos Aires |
| Died | April 10, 1871 (aged 82) Buenos Aires |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Political party | Federal |
| Other political affiliations |
Patriot |
| Spouses | Poloña Durante, Agustina Ortiz de Rozas |
| Profession | Military |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata (1806–1807) United Provinces of the Río de la Plata Argentine Confederation |
| Years of service | 1806–1807/1810–1871 |
| Rank | General |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Vuelta de Obligado |
Lucio Norberto Mansilla (born April 2, 1789 – died April 10, 1871) was an important Argentine soldier and politician. He is known for being the first governor of the Entre Ríos Province. He also played a key role in the famous battle of Vuelta de Obligado. This battle was a big fight to protect Argentina's rivers.
Contents
Early Life and Military Beginnings
Lucio Mansilla was born in Buenos Aires on April 2, 1789. His parents were Andrés Ximénez de Mansilla and Eduarda María Bravo. He was part of the seventh generation of the Mansilla family in the Americas.
He started his military career very young, in 1806. This was during the British invasions of the Río de la Plata. He served under the command of Santiago de Liniers. He was part of a group called the Gallegos regiment. He also fought in the 1807 invasions. These included battles on June 2 and July 5-6. In 1809, he was allowed to open a math school in Buenos Aires.
Mansilla later married Juan Manuel de Rosas' sister, Agustina Ortiz de Rozas. They had six children together. Their children were Lucio Victorio, Eduarda, Lucio Norberto, Agustina, and Carlos.
Fighting for Independence
In 1812, Mansilla joined the forces of José Gervasio Artigas. They were fighting against Portuguese armies. These armies were called by the royalist Javier de Elío. When Artigas left a siege, Mansilla joined José Rondeau.
On May 12, 1813, he was shot during an attack. This happened at a fortress called "El Quilombo". He returned to the fight after he healed. Buenos Aires rewarded him for his brave actions.
In 1814, he joined the Army of the Andes. This army was led by José de San Martín. Mansilla fought in important battles like Chacabuco and Talcahuano. He also fought in the decisive battle of Maipú. This battle was under the command of Juan Gregorio de Las Heras. Both Argentina and Chile honored him for his service. After these victories, he returned to Buenos Aires.
Governor of Entre Ríos
Francisco Ramírez asked Mansilla to help make peace. This was between Ramírez and Artigas. When Artigas invaded Entre Ríos, Mansilla joined Ramírez. They fought together against Artigas. Mansilla played a big part in the battle of Las Tunas. This conflict led to Artigas being sent away to Paraguay.
Ramírez then declared the Republic of Entre Ríos independent. He added Corrientes and Misiones to it. Mansilla did not agree with these actions. He refused to let his army help Ramírez. Ramírez later died in an ambush. The Republic of Entre Ríos was then ended. It became part of Argentina again. Mansilla was made governor because he led the only army unit there. He stopped the fighting between Entre Ríos and the Santa Fe Province. He was governor for three years. During this time, he signed an important agreement called the Quadrilateral Treaty.
War with Brazil
In 1826, Mansilla became a general. He marched to the Argentine-Brazilian War. He served under the command of Carlos María de Alvear. They fought in Rio Grande Do Sul. He led the siege of Montevideo. He also played a big role in the battle of Camacuá. He defeated the Brazilian cavalry at the battle of Ombú. He also fought in the battle of Ituzaingó.
Challenges of the Civil War
In 1828, Mansilla refused to join a coup led by Juan Lavalle. This coup was against Governor Manuel Dorrego. Lavalle was later removed from power. When the Federales returned to power, Juan José Viamonte made Mansilla head of the Buenos Aires police.
He joined the military again during the War of the Confederation. He moved to Tucumán. He did not take part in Lavalle's campaign against Juan Manuel de Rosas. This was during the French blockade of the Río de la Plata. This was because Rosas was his brother-in-law. Mansilla had married Rosas' sister, Marina Agustina Dominga del Corazón de Jesús Ortiz de Rozas y López de Osornio, on April 2, 1831. Lavalle was also his friend from the War with Brazil.
Defending the Paraná River
Britain and France started a war against Argentina. They supported the Colorados of Uruguay. Argentina supported the Blancos in the Uruguayan Civil War. A British and French navy wanted to sail up the Paraná River. Mansilla was chosen to defend the river.
He prepared the defense at Vuelta de Obligado. He closed the river with strong chains. He also set up several artilleries. These were defended by 2000 men. However, the Argentine cannons could not shoot as far or as accurately. They also reloaded slower than the ships' cannons. The battle of Vuelta de Obligado damaged some enemy ships. But the navy won after a few hours.
Mansilla led a charge against French soldiers. They tried to land and remove the cannons. He was hurt in the chest during this fight. Juan Bautista Thorne then took command. The Argentine cavalry forced the French to go back to their ships. But a second attack by both French and British forces was more successful. The battle ended with 250 Argentines dead and 400 injured. The Anglo-French navy had 26 deaths and 86 injured.
Mansilla prepared a new defense at Quebracho. This was when the navy tried to return to Montevideo. This attack caused serious damage to the enemy ships.
Lucio Mansilla died in Buenos Aires on April 10, 1871. He passed away during a Yellow Fever epidemic in the city.
Images for kids
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Portrait of Lucio Norberto Mansilla by Carlos Pellegrini
See also
In Spanish: Lucio Norberto Mansilla para niños
