Miguel de la Grúa Talamanca, 1st Marquess of Branciforte facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Most Excellent
The Marquess of Branciforte
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| 53rd Viceroy of New Spain | |
| In office 12 July 1794 – 31 May 1798 |
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| Monarch | Charles IV |
| Preceded by | Juan Vicente de Güemes |
| Succeeded by | Miguel José de Azanza |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Miguel de la Grúa Talamanca y Branciforte
1755 Sicily, Kingdom of Sicily |
| Died | 1 June 1812 (aged 56–57) Marseille, French Empire |
| Nationality | Sicilian |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Spain |
| Branch/service | Spanish Army |
| Rank | Captain general |
Miguel de la Grúa Talamanca y Branciforte, also known as the 1st Marquess of Branciforte, was an important Italian military officer. He worked for the Spanish Empire and served as the 53rd Viceroy of New Spain. This was a very powerful position, like being the governor of a large colony. He held this role from July 12, 1794, to May 31, 1798.
Many people remember Branciforte as the most dishonest viceroy of New Spain. Some even say his time in charge marked the start of problems for the viceroyalty. He was also the only viceroy who was not originally from Spain.
Contents
Who Was Miguel de la Grúa Talamanca?
Miguel de la Grúa Talamanca was born in Sicily around 1755. His father was Vincenzo Maria La Grua Talamanca, a powerful prince. His mother was Lucrezia Branciforte. Since he was a second son, Miguel chose a career in the military. This was common for younger sons in noble families.
Rising Through the Ranks
Miguel joined the Spanish army because the King of Sicily was also the King of Spain. He worked hard and became a Captain general, a very high rank. He was helped by Manuel de Godoy, who was a powerful prime minister in Spain. In 1790, Miguel married Godoy's sister, María Antonia. This marriage helped him become even more important. Before he became viceroy, the king gave him the special title of Marquess of Branciforte.
In 1787, Miguel was the Governor of the Canary Islands. His family also had a grand home in Palermo, Sicily, called the Palazzo Branciforte. Today, this old building is a public space with a museum and library.
Leading New Spain: Miguel de la Grúa Talamanca's Time as Viceroy
The Marquess of Branciforte was sent to govern the Viceroyalty of New Spain. He arrived in Veracruz in June 1794 and officially started his job in Mexico City on July 12, 1794. When he arrived, he received special honors, becoming a member of important groups like the Order of the Golden Fleece.
Challenges and Changes in New Spain
As viceroy, Branciforte was known for trying to gain wealth for himself and Prime Minister Godoy. He used the war between Spain and France as an excuse to take property from French people living in New Spain. He sold their property and kept some of the money. He also sold government jobs and military ranks.
Many people in Mexico remember him as a dishonest and poor leader. He was very different from the viceroy before him, Juan Vicente de Güemes, 2nd Count of Revillagigedo, who was considered one of the best. Branciforte often went against the ideas of the previous government.
In December 1794, a priest named Fray Servando Teresa de Mier gave a sermon that caused trouble. He was sent away to Spain. In April 1795, the first class in studying minerals began in New Spain.
Watching Out for New Ideas
Even after Spain made peace with France, the government in New Spain remained suspicious of French residents. They also watched citizens from the United States carefully. This was because they saw both groups as having revolutionary ideas.
During this time, the Inquisition (a powerful religious court) focused less on religious differences. Instead, it tried to stop new political ideas from the French Revolution. In August 1795, a public trial was held. One person accused was Esteban Morel, a French scientist. He was accused of having ideas against the Spanish government.
Viceroy Branciforte's government also talked with the young United States about setting borders between their lands.
Concerns About Corruption
When Spain went to war with Britain in 1797, Branciforte again took property from British people in the colony. He did this for his own gain.
To impress King Charles IV and Godoy, the viceroy asked a Spanish artist named Manuel Tolsá to create a large statue of the king on horseback. This statue, called El Caballito, is still a famous landmark in Mexico City today.
The city government of Mexico City even tried to sue the viceroy for being dishonest. They said he wasted a lot of public money on unimportant projects. However, the viceroy won the case.
Eventually, reports of his poor leadership and dishonesty reached the Spanish court. He was removed from his position as viceroy in 1798. Miguel José de Azanza took his place.
Branciforte's Lasting Mark
The town of Villa de Branciforte in what is now California was named after him in 1797. It was one of only three Spanish settlements in that area. Later, in 1905, the Branciforte area became part of the city of Santa Cruz, California. The county where it was located was also briefly called Branciforte County before being renamed Santa Cruz County.
Images for kids
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Miguel de la Grúa Talamanca y Branciforte
See also
In Spanish: Miguel de la Grúa Talamanca para niños
