Rafaél de Echagüe y Bermingham facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rafael Echagüe y Bermingham
Member of the Senate of Spain
In office 1872–1887
75th Governor-General of the Philippines
In office 9 July 1862 – 24 March 1865
Preceded by	Salvador Valdés
Succeeded by	Joaquín del Solar e Ibáñez
112nd Governor of Puerto Rico
In office 1861–1862
Preceded by	Sabino Gamir Maladen
Succeeded by	Rafael Izquierdo y Gutierrez
Personal details
Born	February 13, 1815 San Sebastián, Kingdom of Spain
Died	November 23, 1915(1915-11-23) (aged 100) Madrid, Kingdom of Spain
Military service
Allegiance	Spain
Branch/service	Spanish Army
Rank	General

Rafael de Echagüe y Bermingham (born February 13, 1815 – died November 23, 1915) was an important Spanish general and politician. He served as the Governor-General of the Philippines from July 9, 1862, to March 24, 1865. He also held other key positions, including Governor of Puerto Rico and a member of the Spanish Senate.

A Life of Service: Rafael Echagüe's Journey

Rafael Echagüe was born in San Sebastián, Spain, on February 13, 1815. His parents were Joaquín Echagüe y Barbería and María Josefa Bermingham Measher. He joined the military when he was 18 years old. In October 1833, he became a sub-lieutenant.

His first experience in war was during the First Carlist War (1833–1840). In this war, he worked as an assistant to General Leopoldo O'Donnell. He fought in many battles and was injured several times. Because of his bravery, he was promoted many times during the war.

After the war, he was sent to Puerto Rico from June 1841 to October 1842. He then returned to Spain. There, he helped stop uprisings across the country. He also held many different military jobs. Later, he was sent to Morocco for the Spanish–Moroccan War (1859–1860). He led a group of soldiers who fought against the Moroccans. During this war, he was promoted to lieutenant general. After the war, he worked in Valencia, Spain, before being assigned to the Philippines.

Leading the Philippines: Governor-General Echagüe

Rafael Echagüe became the Governor-General of the Philippines on July 9, 1862. He took over from José Lémery e Ibarrola Ney. Before him, Salvador Valdés had been the acting governor.

In 1863, he created a special government department for colonies. On January 23, 1865, he opened a normal school, which is a school for training teachers. He also worked to improve relations with France. He helped France in their campaign in Cochinchina (which is now part of Vietnam). He sent about a thousand local soldiers to help them. For this help, he received the French Legion of Honor award. He also tried to keep peace between different religious groups.

Governor Echagüe was also known for how well he handled big disasters. During his time, the Philippines faced several major problems. One was a terrible earthquake on June 3, 1862. This earthquake destroyed most of Manila and caused hundreds of deaths. Echagüe quickly ordered repairs for damaged buildings. He also worked to cheer up the people of the city. He gave comfort and money to families who lost loved ones.

Another disaster was a cholera outbreak. This disease was so severe that even his wife died from it. To help during the outbreak, he reduced his own salary to 15,000 pesos.

Many people say that Echagüe's time as governor was very successful and positive. He decided to resign in October 1864. His term officially ended on March 24, 1865. After him, Joaquin del Solar e Ibáñez became the acting Governor-General.

After His Term: A Return to Spain

After finishing his term in the Philippines, Rafael Echagüe returned to Spain. There, he continued to serve in various military roles. He also became a senator for life for several years. He was a senator from 1864 to 1868 and again from 1877 to 1887. He also represented Puerto Rico as a senator in 1872. In 1876, he was a senator for San Sebastián. He even served as the Minister of War between 1913 and 1915. He passed away on November 23, 1915.

Throughout his long military career, he received many awards. These included the Order of St. Hermenegildo, the Order of Charles III, and the Order of Isabella the Catholic. He also earned the Laureate of San Fernando and medals for the African War and the siege of Bilbao. As mentioned, he received the French Legion of Honor for his help in Cochinchina. He was also given the title Count of Serrallo on March 21, 1871.

Legacy

The town of Echague in the province of Isabela, Philippines, was named in his honor.

See also

In Spanish: Rafael Echagüe y Bermingham para niños