Luis Méndez de Haro facts for kids
Luis Méndez de Haro, also known as Luis Méndez de Haro y Guzmán (1598 – November 26, 1661), was an important Spanish nobleman, politician, and general. He was a powerful figure in Spain during the reign of King Philip IV. He held many important titles, including the 6th Marquis of Carpio.
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Luis Méndez de Haro's Early Life and Career
Luis Méndez de Haro y Guzmán was born into a very important family. His father was Diego de Haro, the Marquis of Carpio. His mother was Francisca de Guzmán, who was the sister of a very powerful man named Gaspar de Guzmán, Count-Duke of Olivares.
Luis grew up and started his career at the Spanish royal court. He was helped a lot by his uncle, the Count-Duke of Olivares. His uncle was the King's Valido, which meant he was the King's closest friend and advisor. This person had a lot of political power.
In 1643, Luis's uncle was removed from his position. Luis then took over as the King's Valido. However, Luis never had as much power or control as his uncle did. This was partly because King Philip IV started listening more to the advice of Sister María de Ágreda. She was a nun who influenced the King to get rid of the valido position altogether.
Key Achievements and Challenges
One of Luis de Méndez Haro's biggest successes was stopping the Catalan uprising. This was a rebellion in Catalonia, a region in Spain. He led the effort to take back Barcelona in 1652.
Luis de Méndez Haro was also the main Spanish negotiator for the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659. This treaty ended a long war between Spain and France. The treaty was signed on Pheasant Island. He tried to make sure Spain got a good deal, but he couldn't stop some parts of the treaty that were seen as negative for Spain. He also tried to make an agreement with Oliver Cromwell, who was the leader of England at the time, to work against France, but he was not successful.
The Treaty of the Pyrenees also included a marriage. King Louis XIV of France was to marry the Spanish princess, Infanta Maria Theresa of Spain. Luis de Méndez Haro even stood in for King Louis XIV during the proxy marriage ceremony. This ceremony happened in Fuenterrabia on June 3, 1660.
However, not all of Luis's military efforts were successful. His campaign during the Portuguese Restoration War was a complete failure. He personally led Spanish troops in the Battle of the Lines of Elvas in 1659. This battle ended in a big defeat for Spain.
Family Life
On April 26, 1625, Luis de Méndez Haro married Catalina in Barcelona. Catalina was the youngest daughter of Enrique de Córdoba Cardona y Aragón. She passed away on November 19, 1647.
Luis and Catalina had five children:
- Gaspar (1629–1687) became his successor and later served as the Viceroy of Naples.
- Juan Domingo (1640–1716) became the Governor of the Habsburg Netherlands and the Viceroy of Catalonia.
- Antonia married Gaspar Juan Pérez de Guzmán, 10th Duke of Medina Sidonia.
- Manuela married Gaspar Vigil de Quiñones Alonso Pimentel y Benavides.
- María Méndez (1644–1693) married Gregorio María Domingo de Silva Mendoza y Sandoval.
Luis also had an illegitimate son named Francisco, whom he recognized as his child.
See also
In Spanish: Luis de Haro y Guzmán para niños
