Ramón María Narváez facts for kids
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Ramón María Narváez
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| Prime Minister of Spain | |
| In office 3 May 1844 – 11 February 1846 |
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| Monarch | Isabella II |
| Preceded by | Luis Gonzalez-Bravo |
| Succeeded by | Manuel Pando |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Ramon María Narváez y Campos
5 August 1800 Loja, Spain |
| Died | 23 April 1868 (aged 67) Madrid, Spain |
| Political party | Moderate Party |
| Spouse | Marie Alexandrine de Tascher (m. 1844) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | .svg){kind=small} Spain |
| Rank | General |
| Battles/wars | First Carlist War |
Ramón María Narváez y Campos, 1st Duke of Valencia (August 5, 1800 – April 23, 1868) was an important Spanish general and politician. He served as the Prime Minister of Spain many times when Queen Isabella II was on the throne. People in Spain also knew him as El Espadón de Loja, which means "The Big Sword of Loja." This nickname showed he was a strong and powerful leader.
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Early Life and Military Career
Ramón María Narváez was born in Loja, a city in Granada, Spain. His father was José María de Narváez y Porcel, the 1st Count of Cañada Alta. Ramón joined the army when he was quite young.
He first saw action in Catalonia in 1822, fighting under a general named Francisco Espoz y Mina. Narváez was a Conservative in his political views. This meant he supported traditional ways and the king.
Supporting the Queen
When King Ferdinand VII died in 1833, his daughter Isabel II became queen. Narváez became a strong supporter of Queen Isabel II. He helped her against those who wanted a different ruler.
He became very popular after a big victory in November 1836. He defeated a general named Miguel Gómez Damas, who was part of the Carlist movement. This battle happened near Arcos de la Frontera.
In 1838, Narváez was given the job of clearing out bandits from an area called La Mancha. He did this very effectively. After that, he was made the captain-general of Old Castile and the commander-in-chief of the army's reserve forces.
Rise to Power
In 1840, Narváez was involved in a rebellion in Seville. This uprising was against Baldomero Espartero, who was a powerful leader of the Progresista party. Because of this, Narváez had to leave Spain and go to France for a while.
While in France, he worked with Maria Cristina, the Queen Mother. Together, they planned an expedition in 1843. This plan led to Espartero being removed from power.
Becoming Prime Minister
On May 3, 1844, Ramón María Narváez became the Prime Minister of Spain for the first time. He also served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs for a short period.
In November 1845, he was given the important military rank of field-marshal. He was also given the title Duque de Valencia, which means Duke of Valencia.
However, his political ideas were seen as too strict by some. He had to leave his position as Prime Minister in February 1846.
Later Terms as Prime Minister
Narváez then worked as an ambassador in Paris. But he was called back to lead the government several more times. He served as Prime Minister again in 1846, and then from 1847 to 1849. He was recalled to the position again in October 1849, staying until January 1851.
He also had short terms as Prime Minister in 1856 and from 1864 to 1865. His final time as Prime Minister began in July 1866. He was still in this role when he died in Madrid on April 23, 1868.
On his deathbed, someone asked him if he forgave his enemies. His famous reply was, "I don't need to forgive my enemies — I have had them all shot." This quote shows how tough and determined he was as a leader.
Honours and Awards
Ramón María Narváez received many important awards and honours during his life. These awards came from Spain and other countries.
France:
- Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour
Russia:
- Knight of the Order of St. Andrew
Spain:
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Charles III
- Knight Grand Cross of the Royal and Military Order of San Hermenegild
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic
- Knight of the Order of Alcántara
- Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece
- Grand Cross of the Order of the Tower and Sword (Portugal)
See also
In Spanish: Ramón María Narváez para niños
