Manuel Ruiz Zorrilla facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Most Excellent Manuel Ruiz Zorrilla
Photographed by J. Laurent
Prime Minister of Spain
In office 24 July 1871 – 5 October 1871
Monarch	Amadeo
Preceded by	Francisco Serrano
Succeeded by	José Malcampo
In office 16 June 1872 – 12 February 1873
Monarch	Amadeo
Preceded by	Fernando Fernández de Córdova (acting)
Succeeded by	Estanislao Figueras
Personal details
Born	22 March 1833 Burgo de Osma, Spain
Died	13 June 1895 (aged 62 years) Burgos, Spain
Political party	Progressive Party Radical Democratic Party Progressive Republican Party
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Manuel Ruiz Zorrilla (born March 22, 1833, died June 13, 1895) was an important Spanish politician. He served as the Prime Minister of Spain two times. His first time was for about ten weeks in 1871. He served again for eight months between 1872 and 1873.

Manuel Ruiz Zorrilla's Early Life and Education

Manuel Ruiz Zorrilla was born in Burgo de Osma, Spain. He went to school in Valladolid. Later, he studied law at the Central University of Madrid. While studying, he became interested in radical ideas in politics.

Becoming a Deputy and Early Political Views

In 1856, Ruiz Zorrilla was chosen as a deputy, which is like a representative in government. He quickly became known among the most advanced Progressists and Democrats. These groups wanted big changes in Spain.

Role in the Spanish Revolution of 1868

Ruiz Zorrilla was involved in the ideas that led to a military uprising in Madrid in June 1866. Because of this, he had to go to France and live there for two years.

Return to Spain and Government Roles

He came back to Spain when the revolution of 1868 happened. This revolution changed the government. Ruiz Zorrilla became a member of the first government after the revolution. In 1869, he became the Minister of Grace and Justice. This was during the time when Marshal Serrano was acting as regent (a temporary ruler).

Choosing a New King for Spain

In 1870, Ruiz Zorrilla was chosen as the President of the Congress of Deputies. This meant he led the main law-making body. He worked with Juan Prim to offer the Spanish throne to Amadeus of Savoy. Ruiz Zorrilla traveled to Italy to tell Prince Amadeus in Florence that he had been chosen as king.

Serving as Prime Minister of Spain

When Amadeus arrived in Spain, Ruiz Zorrilla briefly became the Minister of Public Works. He then resigned because he disagreed with some of the king's choices.

First Term as Prime Minister (1871)

Six months later, in 1871, King Amadeus asked Ruiz Zorrilla to form a new government. He became the Prime Minister. He was a main advisor to the king during this time.

Second Term as Prime Minister (1872-1873)

Ruiz Zorrilla continued to be a key figure until February 1873. At that time, King Amadeus decided to abdicate (give up his throne).

Life After Amadeus's Abdication

After Amadeus left Spain, Ruiz Zorrilla supported the idea of Spain becoming a republic. A republic is a country ruled by elected officials, not a king or queen.

Exile and Opposition to the Monarchy

However, he was not asked to join the new republican government in 1873. When the monarchy was brought back in Spain in 1875, Ruiz Zorrilla went back to France. For almost 18 years, he was a leader of groups that wanted Spain to become a republic. He encouraged revolutionary ideas and worked with military members who were unhappy with the government.

Later Years and Return to Spain

His actions caused problems for the Spanish government in Madrid. They even worked with the French government to watch him. This was especially true when it was found that he had helped plan two military uprisings in 1883 and 1886. In his last two years, Ruiz Zorrilla became less active. His health was failing, and his wife had passed away. The government allowed him to return to Spain a few months before he died in Burgos from heart disease.

See also

In Spanish: Manuel Ruiz Zorrilla para niños