Manuel Macías y Casado facts for kids
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Manuel Macías
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| 146th [[Governor-General of Puerto Rico]] | |
| In office January 17, 1898 – October 16, 1898 |
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| Preceded by | Ricardo De Ortega y Diez |
| Succeeded by | Ricardo De Ortega y Diez |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 3, 1844 Teruel, Province of Teruel, Spain |
| Died | November 7, 1937 (age 92) Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain |
| Spouse | Concepción Ramírez de Arellano y Cortés |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Spain |
| Branch/service |  Spanish Army |
| Years of service | 1863–??? |
| Rank |  Teniente general |
| Battles/wars | Ten Years' War Spanish-American War |
Manuel Macías y Casado (born November 3, 1844 – died November 7, 1937) was an important Spanish general. He is best known for being the Governor-General of Puerto Rico during the Spanish–American War. He also served as the governor of Melilla three times and held many other important positions.
Manuel Macías was born in Teruel, Spain. He started his military training at the Colegio de Infantería. By the age of 17, he became a sub-lieutenant. He moved to Cuba in 1863 and then to the Dominican Republic in December 1863. He became a captain in March 1864 and stayed there until 1865.
From 1865 to 1875, he was back in Cuba. He fought in the Ten Years' War there. During this time, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and then to colonel in March 1874.
Early Military Career
After his time in Cuba, Manuel Macías returned to Spain in 1875. He was stationed in Melilla until 1886. Later, he served in Albacete and Santander.
He became a general on June 9, 1891. After this, he was made governor of Cartagena. He also served in Valencia and again in Melilla, where he was the military governor from 1893 to 1894. In August 1894, he became a Lieutenant General and was named Captain General of the Canary Islands.
Governor of Puerto Rico
On January 17, 1898, Manuel Macías was given a very important role. He was named Governor General and Captain General of Puerto Rico.
When the Spanish–American War began, Macías declared martial law in Puerto Rico. This meant that the military took control to keep order. He wanted to resist the American forces. He famously said that he hoped the Spanish language and flag would always remain in Puerto Rico.
Macías hoped that giving Puerto Rico more self-rule would make its people stay loyal to Spain. However, he had very few soldiers to defend against an American invasion. He had about 8,000 regular soldiers, but they were spread out. He also had only 700 to 900 local volunteers. Cities like Ponce and Mayagüez had no defense forces. The naval forces were also very small, with only 368 men.
After Spain's defeat in the war, General Macías left Puerto Rico on October 16, 1898. He sailed on the ship Covadonga with most of the Spanish troops. The fort of San Cristóbal fired 21 cannon shots to say goodbye to the last Spanish governor. He asked General Ricardo de Ortega y Diez to handle the official handover of the island to the United States. This event happened on October 18, 1898.
Later Life and Family
After the Spanish–American War, Manuel Macías continued his military career. He was named Captain General of Burgos, Navarre, and the Basque Country. He also became the commander-in-chief of the 6th Army Corps.
Manuel Macías passed away in Madrid in 1937. He was 93 years old. At the time of his death, the Spanish Civil War had been going on for one year.
Macías was married to Concepción Ramírez de Arellano y Cortés, who passed away in 1950. They had seven children together: Manuel, Concepción, Carmen, Cristina, the twins Clotilde and Luisa, and Clemente.
See also
