Manuel Benito de Castro facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Manuel Benito de Castro
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| Governor President of the State of Cundinamarca and Viceregent of the King's Person | |
| In office August 19, 1812* – September 12, 1812 Co-leading with Luis de Ayala y Vergara
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| Monarch | Ferdinand VII |
| Preceded by | Antonio Nariño |
| Succeeded by | Antonio Nariño |
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| Born | January 21, 1751 Bogotá, Cundinamarca |
| Died | March 5, 1826 Bogotá, Cundinamarca |
| Political party | Centralist |
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Manuel Benito de Castro (1751–1826) was an important politician from the region known as New Granada. This area is now mostly Colombia. He became the leader, or President, of the State of Cundinamarca in 1812. He took over from Antonio Nariño for a short time.
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Who Was Manuel Benito de Castro?
His Early Life
Manuel Benito de Castro was born on January 21, 1751. His birthplace was Santafé de Bogotá, which was the main city of the Viceroyalty of the New Granada. His father, also named Manuel Benito de Castro, was a very rich man. He inherited his money when a Spanish ruler, called a Viceroy, became a monk.
Manuel's mother was Teresa Díaz de Arcaya. She was also from a wealthy family. Her father was a Captain in the Viceroyalty Guard's cavalry. When Manuel was young, he trained to become a Jesuit priest. Because of this, many people knew him as "Father Manuel."
Leading Cundinamarca
Manuel Benito de Castro believed in a strong central government. This meant he thought the main capital, Santafé de Bogotá, should have most of the power. People who thought this way were sometimes called pateadores or centralists.
He supported Antonio Nariño, who also believed in a central government. Nariño included Castro in his team of advisors. On June 25, 1812, Nariño left Castro in charge of the Presidency of the State of Cundinamarca. Nariño went to Tunja to fight against forces loyal to the Spanish king.
Castro was officially chosen as President of the State on August 19, 1812. He served until September 12, 1812. On that date, Nariño came back and took over as president again.
What Happened After His Presidency?
After Spain tried to take back control of its colonies, a Spanish general named Pablo Morillo arrived. He forced Castro to leave Santafé de Bogotá. Castro had to leave all his wealth behind. He was sent to Tunja.
Eventually, Castro returned to Bogotá after the Spanish forces were defeated. He died in Bogotá on March 5, 1826, when he was 75 years old.
Learn More
In Spanish: Manuel Benito de Castro para niños
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