Pedro de Alcántara Álvarez de Toledo, 13th Duke of the Infantado facts for kids

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Portrait by Vicente López Portaña
Prime Minister of Spain
In office 24 October 1825 – 19 August 1826
Monarch	Ferdinand VII
Preceded by	Francisco Cea Bermúdez
Succeeded by	Manuel González Salmón
Personal details
Born	Pedro de Alcántara Álvarez de Toledo y Salm-Salm 20 July 1768 Madrid, Spain
Died	27 November 1841 (aged 73) Madrid

Pedro de Alcántara Álvarez de Toledo y Salm-Salm, 13th Duke of the Infantado (1768–1841) was an important Spanish military leader and politician. He held many noble titles, including the 13th Duke of the Infantado. He was known for being very wealthy and influential in Spain. He received a good education in Paris, which was unusual for many Spanish nobles of his time.

Who Was Pedro de Alcántara Álvarez de Toledo?

Pedro de Alcántara Álvarez de Toledo was a powerful figure in Spanish history. He was born in Madrid in 1768. He became the 13th Duke of the Infantado, a very important noble title. He also held other titles like the 9th Duke of Pastrana. His wealth and influence made him popular in the royal court.

Early Life and Education

Pedro de Alcántara Álvarez de Toledo grew up in a privileged family. He was educated in Paris, the capital of France. This gave him a broader education than many other Spanish nobles. He was known for being more educated and interested in new ideas.

Family and Legacy

Pedro de Alcántara Álvarez de Toledo never married. After his death in 1841, his many titles were passed down. Some went to his son Manuel. Others went to his nephew, Pedro de Alcántara Téllez-Girón. His nephew became the 14th Duke of the Infantado.

Military Career and Political Involvement

Pedro de Alcántara Álvarez de Toledo had a long career in both the military and politics. He showed leadership from a young age. He also faced many challenges and changes in Spain.

Starting in the Military

In 1793, Spain went to war with Revolutionary France. Pedro de Alcántara Álvarez de Toledo showed his dedication. He used his own money to create an infantry regiment. He led his soldiers in battles against the French in Catalonia. He also commanded a brigade in the Army of Estremadura.

After a peace treaty was signed, he focused on business. He started cotton mills in Catalonia. He brought in experts from England to help. He was also interested in science and technology. In 1802, he ordered a special 'double chronometer' watch. It was made by Abraham-Louis Breguet, a famous watchmaker.

Rising Through the Ranks

In October 1802, he was promoted to lieutenant general. This was a high rank in the Spanish army. Many other important Spanish military leaders were promoted at the same time. These included Juan Pignatelli and Francisco Castaños.

In the years that followed, he became very close to Prince Ferdinand. Ferdinand was the heir to the Spanish throne. This friendship caused problems with the king, King Charles IV. It also led to conflict with the king's chief minister, Manuel Godoy. As a result, Infantado was sent away from Madrid in 1805.

A couple of years later, Prince Ferdinand was arrested. Papers found with him showed that Infantado was chosen to lead the Spanish forces. Infantado faced serious trouble because of this. However, public support and help from the French Ambassador saved him.

Role in the Peninsular War

In March 1808, a revolt happened in Spain. King Charles IV gave up his throne. His chief minister, Godoy, was removed. Prince Ferdinand became King Ferdinand VII. The Duke of Infantado was right by his side.

Napoleon, the French emperor, took advantage of the situation. He invited Spanish leaders, including the Duke, to a meeting in Bayonne. A new Spanish constitution was signed there. This constitution put Napoleon's brother, Joseph Bonaparte, on the Spanish throne. The Duke of Infantado was the only major Spanish figure who strongly disagreed. He refused to accept a foreign king.

Soon after, the Duke urged the Spanish people to fight the French. Napoleon then declared him a traitor. In 1809, the Duke led the Spanish army. They were defeated by the French at the Battle of Uclés. His palace in Guadalajara and all his belongings were taken by Joseph Bonaparte.

The Duke then joined forces with the British army. The British forces were led by Sir John Moore. The British diplomat, John Hookham Frere, respected the Duke greatly. He found the Duke to be a very honest and helpful ally. Later, Wellington, another British general, also had good communication with the Duke. This happened during the later parts of the Peninsular War.

In 1811, the Spanish parliament, called the Cortes, gave him an important role. He was made President of the Council of Spain. He also went on a secret mission to London to meet the Prince Regent. He returned in 1812. Wellington suggested he lead the 4th Army, which was under British control. However, his rivals at the Spanish court prevented this. He continued to lead his own regiment instead. After the war with France ended in 1814, he retired from military service.

Later Political Career

Pedro de Alcántara Álvarez de Toledo was called back to public service in 1823. He became the President of the Regency. This role was like being the Prime Minister of Spain. He was responsible for helping the king return to the throne. After a short time, he grew tired of the political struggles in the court. He decided to retire to his country estates. He passed away there in 1841.

Heraldry

• Heraldry of Pedro de Alcántara Álvarez de Toledo, 13th Duke of Infantado
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See also

In Spanish: Pedro de Alcántara Álvarez de Toledo para niños