Pedro de Viscarra facts for kids
Pedro de Viscarra de la Barrera was an important Spanish lawyer who became the leader of Chile two times. He arrived in the area that is now Chile from Spain in 1590.
In 1592, the governor at the time, Alonso de Sotomayor, went to Peru to ask the leader there for more soldiers. Pedro de Viscarra was left in charge as the acting governor of Chile. He held this job until Martín García Óñez de Loyola arrived on September 23, 1592, to take over as the new governor. At that point, Viscarra stepped down from his role.
Later, in December 1598, Governor Loyola was killed in the Battle of Curalaba. Pedro de Viscarra once again became the acting governor of Chile. He served for about six months until May 1599, when Francisco de Quiñónes took over as the new official governor.
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Who Was Pedro de Viscarra?
Pedro de Viscarra de la Barrera was a skilled lawyer from Spain. He traveled to the Captaincy General of Chile in 1590. This region was a part of the Spanish Empire at the time. His experience as a lawyer likely helped him in his political roles.
His First Time as Governor
In 1592, the governor of Chile, Alonso de Sotomayor, needed to travel to Peru. He went there to ask for more resources and soldiers to help manage the region. While Sotomayor was away, Pedro de Viscarra was chosen to be the acting governor. This meant he was in charge until a new official governor arrived. He served in this temporary role for a short period.
His Second Time as Governor
Pedro de Viscarra's second time as governor happened because of a big event. In December 1598, the governor, Martín García Óñez de Loyola, was killed during the Arauco War. This war was a long conflict between the Spanish and the Mapuche people in Chile.
After Loyola's death, there was no clear leader. So, Pedro de Viscarra stepped up again to be the temporary governor. He managed the region for about six months during a difficult time. In May 1599, Francisco de Quiñónes arrived and officially took over as the new governor.
Timeline of His Leadership
- 1590: Pedro de Viscarra arrives in Chile from Spain.
- 1592: Becomes acting governor after Alonso de Sotomayor leaves for Peru.
- 1592: Steps down when Martín García Óñez de Loyola arrives as the new governor.
- 1598: Becomes acting governor again after Martín García Óñez de Loyola is killed.
- 1599: Steps down when Francisco de Quiñónes takes over as the new governor.
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