Pedro de Garibay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Most Excellent
Pedro de Garibay
|
|
|---|---|
Pedro de Garibay, Viceroy of New Spain
|
|
| 57th Viceroy of New Spain | |
| In office 16 September 1808 – 19 July 1809 |
|
| Preceded by | José de Iturrigaray |
| Succeeded by | Francisco Javier de Lizana y Beaumont |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1729 Alcalá de Henares, Spain |
| Died | July 7, 1815 (aged 85–86) Mexico City, New Spain |
| Occupation | Military officer |
Pedro de Garibay was a Spanish military officer. He was born in 1729 in Alcalá de Henares, Spain. He later became the viceroy of New Spain (which is now Mexico). He served as viceroy from September 16, 1808, to July 19, 1809. He passed away in Mexico City on July 7, 1815.
Contents
Pedro de Garibay's Military Career
Pedro de Garibay joined the military in 1742 when he was just 13 years old. As a young officer, he bravely fought in battles in Portugal, Italy, and Morocco. He also showed great courage during an attack on a fort in Santo Domingo.
In 1764, he moved to New Spain. There, he helped organize and train local troops. He then worked as a sergeant major in Mexico City for 23 years. He was promoted to colonel in 1783 and to brigadier in 1789. Even when he was older and not well, he was promoted to field marshal before he retired.
Becoming Viceroy: A Change in Leadership
In 1808, there was a big change in New Spain's government. The group that supported Spain removed the current viceroy, José de Iturrigaray. This was because Iturrigaray seemed to support New Spain becoming independent from Spain.
After this change, the Audiencia (a high court) of Mexico needed a new leader. They chose Pedro de Garibay. He was the oldest and highest-ranking military officer in the colony. Even though he was in his late 70s, he was seen as the best person to lead New Spain during this difficult time.
Garibay was known for being tall, brave, and smart. He was also a respected leader. As viceroy, he was very skilled. He took control of the situation and made sure things were done correctly. He approved documents that he thought were good for the colony and ignored those that were not.
One of his first actions was to issue arrest warrants for leaders who supported independence. These included important people like Juan Francisco Azcárate y Ledesma and Francisco Primo de Verdad y Ramos. These individuals were held in prison.
Garibay's Time as Viceroy of New Spain
As viceroy, Garibay took several important steps. He created a group to look into the unrest happening in the colony. He also moved troops that his predecessor had gathered in Xalapa.
He ordered a sculptor named Manuel Tolsá to make 100 cannons and other weapons. Garibay also stopped a rule called the Cédula de la Caja de Consolidación. This rule had taken money from religious groups, which made many people unhappy. Stopping it helped calm some of the discontent.
During his time, a group called the "Parianeros" or "Patriotas de Fernando VII" (Patriots of Ferdinand VII) became very active. They supported the Spanish king. They wore blue jackets and were sometimes called Los Chaquetas. Viceroy Garibay worked hard to control these groups. He wanted to prevent them from causing trouble or abusing others. He even created a new regiment of soldiers under his direct command to keep order.
New Spain supported the Spanish government against Napoleon. Garibay sent a large sum of money, 200,000 pesos, to Spain to help with the war effort. Spain then asked its colonies, including New Spain, to send a representative to join their meetings. This caused some disagreements. The Spanish party in New Spain worried it might lead to the colony becoming too independent. On the other hand, the Criollos (people of Spanish descent born in New Spain) felt that one representative was not enough.
Visitors from the United States were watched closely. This was because it was believed that French agents might try to cause rebellion in the colonies.
Once trade with Spain became safer, Garibay ordered many merchant ships to be built. These ships helped carry goods between New Spain and Spain.
Retirement and Later Life
After ten months, the Supreme Junta of Spain replaced Garibay with Francisco Javier de Lizana y Beaumont, who was the archbishop of Mexico. Garibay wanted to go back to Spain, but he didn't have enough money.
He then lived a quiet life, away from public duties. A wealthy landowner named Yermo gave him a monthly payment. Later, the Spanish Crown honored him with the Cross of Carlos III and a yearly pension of 10,000 pesos. He was also given the rank of lieutenant general for his service to the king and country. Pedro de Garibay died in Mexico City in 1815. He spent most of his life in Michoacan, Mexico.
Images for kids
-
Pedro de Garibay, Viceroy of New Spain
See also
