Manuel Antonio Flórez facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Most Excellent Manuel Antonio Flórez KOA
51st Viceroy of New Spain
In office August 17, 1787 – October 16, 1789
Monarch	Charles III
Preceded by	Alonso Núñez de Haro y Peralta
Succeeded by	Juan Vicente de Güemes, 2nd Count of Revillagigedo
Viceroy of New Granada
In office 1776 – November 23, 1781
Monarch	Charles III
Preceded by	Manuel de Guirior
Succeeded by	Juan de Torrezar Díaz Pimienta
Personal details
Born	Manuel Antonio Flórez Maldonado Martínez Ángulo y Bodquín May 27, 1723 Seville, Spain
Died	March 20, 1799 (aged 75–76) Madrid, Spain

Manuel Antonio Flórez Maldonado (born May 27, 1723, in Seville, Spain – died March 20, 1799, in Madrid) was an important Spanish leader. He was a general in the Spanish navy. He also served as a "viceroy" in two large Spanish colonies. A viceroy was like a governor, ruling a colony for the King of Spain. He was Viceroy of New Granada from 1776 to 1781. Later, he became Viceroy of New Spain from 1787 to 1789.

Manuel Flórez's Early Career

Manuel Flórez joined the Spanish royal navy. He commanded many warships. His job was to fight pirates in the Mediterranean Sea. He also fought pirates in Spanish lands in America.

He was known for being brave and smart. Because of his skills, he became a knight of the military Order of Calatrava. This was a special honor.

From 1771 to 1775, he led the Naval Department at Ferrol. This was a very important naval base. It was a place where ships were built and stored in northwestern Spain.

Viceroy of New Granada

In 1775, Manuel Flórez was chosen to be the viceroy of New Granada. He sailed to take his new job on December 3, 1775. He served as viceroy for over 11 years.

People in New Granada liked him a lot. He left his position in 1787. He said he was not feeling well.

Viceroy of New Spain

In 1787, Flórez was named the viceroy of New Spain. He also became the president of the Audiencia of Mexico. The Audiencia was a high court and governing body.

He arrived in Veracruz on July 18, 1787. He officially started his new duties in Mexico City on August 17.

Changes in the Military

As viceroy, he created three new groups of volunteer soldiers. These groups were for Mexico, Nueva España, and Puebla. He worked to make the colonial army stronger. He also made sure that the sons of rich landowners could get high positions in the army.

Economic and Scientific Efforts

Viceroy Flórez sent 50,000 pesos each year to New York. This money was for businesses there, as ordered by the King.

In 1788, he brought 11 German miners from Dresden to Mexico. They came to teach Mexican miners new ways to work with metals. This helped improve mining in the colony.

During his time as viceroy, the Royal Botanical Study opened. This was a place for studying plants.

Important Events and Expeditions

On April 28, 1788, a famous Mexican historian named Francisco Javier Alegre died. He was living in exile in Italy.

On June 4, 1788, an important expedition began. Esteban José Martínez sailed from San Blas, Nayarit. His ship, the Princesa, explored the North Pacific coast. This journey went all the way to the Bering Strait.

On August 12, 1788, Lorenzo de Zavala was born in Yucatán. He later became a very important leader. He was the vice-president of the independent Republic of Texas.

End of His Time as Viceroy

King Charles III died on December 14, 1788. He had been king for a long time. The ceremonies after his death cost New Spain a lot of money. Viceroy Flórez was very sad about the King's death. King Charles III had been a great supporter of Flórez.

The Audiencia told the King's government that Flórez was not well. So, he was told to leave his position. He received extra pay to help him return to Spain. He went back to Spain on October 16, 1789.

In Spain, he received the Cross of the Order of Charles III. He was also named an honorary captain general of the navy. Manuel Antonio Flórez died in Madrid on March 20, 1799.

See also

In Spanish: Manuel Antonio Flórez Maldonado para niños