Manuel Silvela y García de Aragón facts for kids
Manuel Silvela y García de Aragón (born October 31, 1781, in Valladolid, Spain – died May 9, 1832, in Paris, France) was a Spanish writer, lawyer, and judge.
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Manuel Silvela's Early Life and Education
Manuel Silvela became an orphan at age six. His aunt in Ávila raised him. He started his first schooling there. Later, he went back to Valladolid. He studied law (called jurisprudence), philosophy, and religion.
In 1806, he earned his first university degree. Soon after, he became a Licentiate in Laws and Canons. This meant he could practice law in the church system. He received his PhD in 1808.
Working for His Community
Manuel joined a group called the Sociedad Económica de los Amigos del País. This group worked to improve the country. He became their secretary. He helped make public schools better. He also worked to improve farming and businesses.
He worked with lawyers at the Royal Audiencia and Chancillería of Valladolid. This was a high court. But he could not join the local lawyers' group. There were too few spots. So, he moved to Madrid.
Life in Madrid and Exile
When Manuel arrived in Madrid, France had invaded Spain. Joseph I became the new king. Manuel knew French well. This helped him work between Spanish officials and the new French government.
At 27, he became a judge. He worked in a court called the Sala de Alcaldes de la Casa y Corte. This court had been around since the 1200s. Its powers were not always clear.
Manuel tried his best to be fair. He especially helped people accused of political crimes. But some people called him an "Afrancesado". This meant they thought he was too friendly with the French.
In 1812, the French left Madrid. Manuel worried for his family's safety. He took them to Bordeaux, France. Important people told him it would be fine, but he still left.
Life in France and Later Years
In Bordeaux, Manuel started a school called "Colegio Silvela." It became a big school. Many students from Spain and Latin America attended. He shared his exile with other famous people. These included Leandro Fernández de Moratín, a playwright. Moratín helped Manuel with his plays. Francisco de Goya, a famous painter, was also there. Goya had painted Manuel's portrait earlier.
During a time called the Trienio Liberal, Manuel was asked to return to Spain. But he felt he had to stay in France. He was busy teaching and publishing books there.
In 1827, he moved to Paris. He started another school there. He was the director and taught many classes. He also wrote textbooks. The next year, he got sick with a lung disease. He passed away in 1832.
Manuel's son, Francisco Agustín, became a well-known lawyer and politician. He was even a minister for a short time. Manuel's grandsons, Francisco and Manuel, both became important government ministers.
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