Luis Gálvez Rodríguez de Arias facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Luis Gálvez Rodríguez de Arias
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| 1st President of the Republic of Acre | |
| In office July 14, 1899 – January 1, 1900 |
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| Preceded by | Office Established |
| Succeeded by | Antônio de Sousa Braga |
| 3rd President of the Republic of Acre | |
| In office January 30, 1900 – March 15, 1900 |
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| Preceded by | Antônio de Sousa Braga |
| Succeeded by | Joaquim Vítor da Silva |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1864 San Fernando, Andalusia, Spain |
| Died | 1935 (aged 71) Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain |
| Alma mater | University of Seville |
| Occupation | Journalist, Diplomat and Adventurer |
Luis Gálvez Rodríguez de Arias (1864-1935) was a Spanish journalist, diplomat, and adventurer. He is famous for creating the short-lived Republic of Acre in 1899. He led Acre twice: first from July 14, 1899, to January 1, 1900, and then again from January 30 to March 15, 1900.
Contents
Biography
Early Life and Career
Gálvez studied law and social sciences at the University of Seville in Spain. After his studies, he worked for the Spanish government as a diplomat. He served in important cities like Rome and Buenos Aires.
In 1897, Gálvez moved to South America. He was looking for adventure and the legendary lost city of gold, El Dorado, in the Amazon rainforest. He worked as a journalist in different cities. In Belém, he wrote for the Correio do Pará newspaper. In Manaus, he wrote for the Commercio do Amazonas.
The Republic of Acre
At this time, the region of Acre was rich in rubber. The Bolivian government made a deal to sell rubber through a foreign company called the Bolivian Syndicate. Gálvez, who worked for the Bolivian Consulate, had to translate this important document.
He saw an opportunity for Acre to become independent. He shared his idea with Governor Ramalho Júnior of Brazil. The Governor secretly supported Gálvez's plan. He gave him money, weapons, and a ship with soldiers.
On July 14, 1899, Gálvez led a rebellion in Acre. This date was chosen because it was the anniversary of the Fall of the Bastille in France. Rubber tappers and soldiers from the Cuban War of Independence joined him. He declared the Republic of Acre independent. He argued that the rubber tappers, who were not Brazilian, should not become Bolivian.
Leading the New Nation
Gálvez became the first president of the new republic. People sometimes called him the "Emperor of Acre." He quickly set up a government. He created a flag and a coat of arms for the republic. He also organized government departments, started schools, and built hospitals.
He even created an army and a fire department. Gálvez acted as a judge and issued postage stamps. He dreamed of a modern country with good social services and care for the environment. He sent messages to countries in Europe and appointed diplomats.
Challenges and End of Rule
After only six months, Gálvez was removed from power by a sudden change in government. A Brazilian rubber tapper named Antônio de Sousa Braga took over. However, a month later, Braga returned power to Gálvez.
Acre was officially part of Bolivia because of the Treaty of Ayacucho signed in 1867. Brazil sent a military force to stop the Republic of Acre and return the region to Bolivia. On March 11, 1900, Luis Gálvez surrendered to the Brazilian Navy. He was then sent away to Recife, Brazil, and later exiled to Europe.
Years later, Gálvez returned to Brazil. He was arrested by the government of Amazonas. He was sent to a fort, but he later managed to leave. He passed away in Spain.
Legacy
- A river in Acre is named after Luis Gálvez.
- At the entrance of the Legislative Assembly of Acre, there is a statue of Gálvez. Behind him is the flag of the Independent State of Acre. On it, a famous phrase is written: “If the Homeland does not want us, we create another one! Long live the Independent State of Acre!” Gálvez said this on July 14, 1899, when he declared the Republic of Acre.
- Gálvez, the Emperor of Acre is a well-known novel by Márcio de Souza. It was first published in 1976.
- In 2007, a TV miniseries called Amazônia, from Galvez to Chico Mendes was made about the Acre region. Actor José Wilker played Luis Gálvez.
- In 2003, Spanish writer Alfonso Domingo wrote a historical novel about Luis Gálvez.
See also
In Spanish: Luis Gálvez Rodríguez de Arias para niños
