Marcos González de Balcarce facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marcos González de Balcarce
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|
|---|---|
| Governor of Cuyo | |
| In office July 1812 – September 1812 |
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| Succeeded by | José de San Martín |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1777 Buenos Aires |
| Died | 1832 Buenos Aires |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Argentina |
| Battles/wars | British invasions of the Río de la Plata Peninsular War |
Marcos González de Balcarce (1777–1832) was an important Argentine military leader and politician. He lived during a time when Argentina was becoming an independent country. He was known for his bravery in battles and for serving in different government roles.
Contents
Early Life and Military Beginnings
Marcos González de Balcarce was born in Buenos Aires, a big city in Argentina. His father, Francisco González de Balcarce, was a general. Marcos had two older brothers, Juan Ramón and Antonio. They were also famous military leaders and politicians.
Marcos joined the army when he was just 11 years old, in 1788. He served under his father's command. He fought in battles against Portuguese forces who were trying to enter Misiones Province.
Fighting for Freedom and Spain
During the British invasions of the Río de la Plata, Marcos was captured by the British Navy. This happened during a battle in Montevideo in 1807. He was taken all the way to England.
After he was set free, Marcos fought for Spain in the Peninsular War. This war was against Napoleon's forces.
Return to Argentina
When he returned to Buenos Aires, Marcos took part in the May Revolution in 1810. This event was a big step towards Argentina's independence from Spain.
In 1812, he became the Governor of Cuyo, a region in western Argentina. He served from July to September of that year. After him, the famous General José de San Martín became governor.
Political Career and Later Years
Marcos González de Balcarce continued to serve his country in many ways. In 1815, he became the War Minister. This meant he was in charge of the army for the Supreme Director Ignacio Álvarez Thomas.
He led a military campaign against a group called the Liga Federal. This group wanted more local power for their provinces. Marcos's forces were defeated by Francisco Ramírez, a leader from Entre Ríos Province.
Even after this defeat, Marcos kept working in government. He served as a minister for several different leaders. These included Governor Juan Gregorio de Las Heras, Presidents Bernardino Rivadavia and Vicente López y Planes, and Governor Juan Manuel de Rosas. He died in Buenos Aires in 1832 due to health problems.
See also
In Spanish: Marcos Balcarce para niños
