María Teresa Rodríguez del Toro y Alaysa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
María Teresa Rodríguez del Toro y Alayza
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Wedding of Bolívar and María Teresa Rodríguez del Toro Alayza
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María Teresa Josefa Antonia Joaquina Rodríguez del Toro Alayza
October 15, 1781 |
| Died | January 22, 1803 (aged 21) |
| Cause of death | Yellow fever and Malaria |
| Resting place | Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Anne |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Parent(s) | Benita de Alayza Medrano Bernardo Rodríguez del Toro Ascanio |
María Teresa Josefa Antonia Joaquina Rodríguez del Toro Alayza (born October 15, 1781 – died January 22, 1803) was the Spanish wife of Simón Bolívar. She passed away at just 21 years old from yellow fever, after being married for only eight months. Her death deeply affected Bolívar. Many historians, and Bolívar himself, believe this sad event changed his life. It set him on the path to become a great leader who helped free six Latin American nations. He also promised never to marry again, a promise he kept.
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Early Life and Family
María Teresa was born in Madrid, Spain, on October 15, 1781. Her father, Bernardo Rodríguez del Toro y Ascanio, was from Caracas, Venezuela. Her mother, Benita de Alayza Medrano, was from Valladolid, Spain.
María Teresa's family was very important in Caracas society. Her grandfather was the second Marquess del Toro. This was a noble title. Her uncle was the third Marquess, Sebastián Rodríguez del Toro y Ascanio. Her cousin, Francisco Rodríguez del Toro, later became a commander in Venezuela's independence army. After her mother died, María Teresa helped her father manage their family's properties.
Meeting Simón Bolívar
María Teresa met Simón Bolívar in Madrid in 1800. Bolívar was 17 years old and had been sent to Spain to study. He lived with a tutor, the Marquess de Ustariz. María Teresa was two years older than Bolívar. They were also distant relatives.
In August 1800, María Teresa accepted Bolívar's courtship. Bolívar described her as "a jewel without defects." María Teresa's father then took her to Bilbao. Bolívar followed them there in March 1801, before moving to Paris.
A Proposal of Marriage
Bolívar returned to Spain in April 1802. He formally asked María Teresa to marry him. Her father agreed, possibly because Bolívar had a large estate. Bolívar suggested they marry that same year. On March 30, 1802, Bolívar gave his cousin, Pedro Rodríguez del Toro, the power to sign their marriage contract for him.
Wedding and Life in Venezuela
María Teresa and Simón Bolívar married in Madrid on May 26, 1802. Their wedding took place in the church of San José. After their wedding, they moved to La Coruña.
On June 15, 1802, the newly married couple sailed to Caracas, Venezuela. They arrived on July 12. In Caracas, María Teresa was welcomed by both Bolívar's family and her own relatives. After a short stay in Caracas, they moved to Bolívar's family estate in San Mateo, Aragua.
Illness and Death
A few months after moving to San Mateo, María Teresa became very sick. She had "malign fevers," which are now believed to be yellow fever or malaria. The couple returned to Caracas. María Teresa died on January 22, 1803. She had been married for only eight months.
Bolívar's Promise
María Teresa's death was a great tragedy for Bolívar. He had lost his parents when he was young. María Teresa was his chance to build a family. Her death caused him deep pain. This sadness led Bolívar to promise never to marry again. He kept this promise throughout his life, even though he had many other relationships.
To help with his grief, Bolívar traveled to Europe again. In Madrid, he had a touching reunion with María Teresa's father. Bolívar then went to Paris with María Teresa's cousin, Fernando Rodríguez del Toro. There, he met his old teacher, Simón Rodríguez. This meeting was very important for Bolívar. Rodríguez saw Bolívar's sadness. He encouraged Bolívar to focus on politics. This helped Bolívar overcome the emptiness left by María Teresa's death. Bolívar later said this led him to follow "Mars' chariot" (meaning war and politics) instead of "Ceres' plow" (meaning a peaceful, settled life).
Resting Place
María Teresa was buried in the Bolívar family tomb at the Caracas Cathedral. Bolívar's parents were also buried there. In December 1842, Bolívar's body was brought back from Santa Marta, Colombia. He was buried next to María Teresa.
Their bodies stayed there for 34 years. On October 28, 1876, Bolívar's body was moved to the National Pantheon of Venezuela. Sculptures were later made for María Teresa and Bolívar's parents. These sculptures are in the Holy Trinity Chapel in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Caracas. In 1930, another sculpture was added. It shows Bolívar protecting his wife and parents.
See also
In Spanish: María Teresa del Toro Alayza para niños
