Manuel de Amat y Junyent facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Most Excellent
Manuel de Amat
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Portrait of Amat as Viceroy of Peru, 1773
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| 31st Viceroy of Peru | |
| In office October 12, 1761 – July 17, 1776 |
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| Monarch | Charles III |
| Prime Minister | Count of Aranda |
| Preceded by | José Antonio Manso de Velasco |
| Succeeded by | Manuel de Guirior |
| Royal Governor of Chile | |
| In office December 28, 1755 – September 9, 1761 |
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| Monarch | Ferdinand VI |
| Preceded by | Domingo Ortiz de Rosas |
| Succeeded by | Félix de Berroeta |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 21 March 1707 Vacarisses, Spain |
| Died | 14 February 1782 (aged 74) Barcelona, Spain |
| Spouse | María Francisca de Fivaller |
| Profession | Field Marshal |
| Signature |  |
Manuel de Amat y Junyent (born March 1707 – died February 14, 1782) was an important Spanish military officer and leader. He was the Royal Governor of Chile from 1755 to 1761. Later, he became the Viceroy of Peru, serving from 1761 to 1776. He was a member of the Order of Saint Januarius and the Order of Malta.
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
Manuel de Amat y Junyent was born in March 1707 in Vacarisses, a town in Spain. His family was noble and from Catalonia. His father was José de Amat y de Planella, who was the first Marquess of Castellbell.
Manuel joined the army when he was very young. In 1719, he fought against the French in Aragon. At age 17, he became part of the Order of Malta. He spent four years on the island of Malta. After that, he served in wars in northern Africa. He became the leader of a regiment of dragoons, which were soldiers who rode horses.
He showed great bravery in the Battle of Bitonto in 1734. This battle took place in the Kingdom of Naples. He helped defeat the Austrian army there. He also did well during the siege of Gaeta later that same year. Because of his skills, he was promoted to field marshal, a very high military rank.
Governor of Chile
In 1755, Manuel de Amat y Junyent was sent to South America. He became the Royal Governor of Chile and the head of the Audiencia Real (a high court). He traveled all over colonial Chile. He ordered new forts to be built along the coast. These forts also protected the border with the Mapuche people.
He founded several new towns, including Talcamávida, Hualqui, and Nacimiento. He also talked with the Mapuche people to make peace. These meetings happened in 1758 and 1760. His goal was to make sure that travel between Concepción and Chiloé was safe.
In Santiago, the capital, he started many public projects. He improved bridges over the Río Mapocho. He also built a market in the main square, the Plaza de Armas. In 1757, he reformed the Royal University of San Felipe. On October 12, 1758, he created Chile's first police force. It was called the Dragones de la Reina (Dragoons of the Queen).
Viceroy of Peru
On October 12, 1761, Amat became the Viceroy of Peru. This was a very important position. He followed orders from the King of Spain. In 1767, he oversaw the expulsion of the Jesuits from Peru. He also created new rules for trade and customs. This led to the building of a customshouse in Callao.
He had the strong fortress of Real Felipe built in Callao. It was finished in 1774. He also founded the Royal College of San Carlos. Many public works were built in Lima under his rule. The most famous are the Alameda de los Descalzos and the Paseo de Aguas. He also improved the Alameda de Acho. The Plaza de Toros de Acho, a famous bullring, was also built during his time. It opened in 1762.
A popular story says that the Paseo de Aguas was built for a famous actress named Micaela Villegas. She was also known as La Perricholi. The story says that when the viceroy wanted to impress her, she joked that he should lay the moon at her feet. So, he ordered the construction of the Paseo de Aguas. This beautiful place has a fountain and a long pool, with a walkway beside it.
La Perricholi's life has inspired many artists. Her story led to books, plays, and even movies. For example, the French writer Prosper Mérimée wrote a story about her. This story later became an opera called La Périchole. She and the viceroy are also characters in the famous novel The Bridge of San Luis Rey.
Exploration Expeditions
Viceroy Amat wanted to protect Peru from other countries. He sent expeditions to explore the Pacific Ocean. One expedition, led by Domingo de Bonechea, went to Tahiti. They arrived shortly after Captain Cook. However, they explored other islands that Cook had not found. In later trips, de Bonechea was the first European to explore most of French Polynesia.
Amat also sent another expedition to search for a lost ship called the Oriflama. This expedition was led by Juan Antonio de Buenechea.
Later Years
Between 1772 and 1778, Amat had a grand palace built in Barcelona, Spain. It is called the Virreina Palace. This palace is still standing today on Barcelona's famous La Rambla. It is now used for art shows and cultural events.
Amat returned to Barcelona and his new palace on October 22, 1777. In June 1779, he married María Francisca de Fivaller y de Bru. He was 72 years old at the time. Manuel de Amat y Junyent died in Barcelona on February 14, 1782. His wife died several years later in 1791.
Images for kids
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Manuel de Amat's signature
See also
In Spanish: Manuel de Amat y Junyent para niños
