Santiago Mariño facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Santiago Mariño
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Portrait of Santiago Mariño by painter Martín Tovar y Tovar, oil on canvas, 1874
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| Born | 25 July 1788 Island of Margarita, Captaincy General of Venezuela, Spanish Empire |
| Died | 4 September 1854 (aged 66) La Victoria, Aragua, State of Venezuela |
| Allegiance |  Venezuelan republicans |
| Rank | Chief of the General Staff |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Bocachica Battle of Carabobo |
| Other work | Ministry of War and Navy (1830s) |
Santiago Mariño Carige Fitzgerald (born July 25, 1788, in Valle Espíritu Santo, Margarita – died September 4, 1854, in La Victoria, Aragua) was a brave Venezuelan leader. He was a key hero in the Venezuelan War of Independence (1811–1823). Mariño became a very important figure in eastern Venezuela. For a short time in 1835, he even took control of the new country of Venezuela.
Early Life and Background
Santiago Mariño came from a wealthy family. His father was a captain in the local militias. His mother, Atanasia Carige Fitzgerald, had both Creole and Irish roots. She was from Chaguaramas on the island of Trinidad.
Because his parents were rich, Santiago received a good education. After his father passed away in 1808, he moved to Margarita Island. This island is about 250 kilometers west of Trinidad. There, he took over his family's inheritance.
Mariño and Freemasonry
Santiago Mariño was also a significant figure in the history of Freemasonry in Venezuela. He likely joined this group in Trinidad. He earned the high title of "Serenismo Gran Maestro del Gran Oriente Nacional." This title is similar to a modern Grand Master.
Fighting for Independence
The fight for Venezuela's freedom was greatly affected by events in Spain. Spain was involved in the Napoleonic Wars. These wars weakened Spain and its control over its colonies. This gave Venezuelan revolutionaries a chance to seek independence.
British Support from Trinidad
Thomas Picton, the first British Governor of Trinidad, supported the Venezuelan revolutionaries. In 1797, he announced that Trinidad's ports would be open for trade. This helped the revolutionaries get supplies and support. It also allowed them to trade directly with Britain.
Spain's Weakness and New Opportunities
After many wars, Spain became very weak. In 1808, Napoleon removed the Spanish King, Ferdinand VII. Napoleon's brother, Joseph Bonaparte, became the new king. This caused a "Supreme Central Junta" to form in Spain. They ruled in Ferdinand's name, starting Spain's own war for independence from France.
This chaos in Spain created a perfect opportunity for the colonies. It made it easier for them to break away and become independent.
The First Republic of Venezuela
On April 19, 1810, the city council of Caracas formed a new government. Other cities like Barcelona and Cumaná soon followed. They saw themselves as allies of the Spanish Junta. However, Simón Bolívar saw this as a step towards full independence.
Ports were opened for international trade, especially with Britain. Young Bolívar went to London and Mariño went to Port of Spain (Trinidad). They sought support for Venezuela in case of attack. Spain saw these actions as rebellious. In 1810, Spain declared the Venezuelan patriots as rebels. They treated the province as enemy territory and blocked its ports.
Mariño joined Colonel Manuel Villapol in late 1812. He showed great bravery in combat and was promoted to lieutenant colonel. Later, he defended Güiria from a Royalist attack. For this, he was promoted to colonel.
The first Venezuelan Republic fell after the Battle of San Mateo. Many patriots were captured or fled. Mariño went to his sister's property in Trinidad.
The Second Republic of Venezuela
Mariño's Bold Invasion
Mariño learned that the Royalist leader, General Monteverde, had broken his promises. Monteverde had imprisoned many Venezuelan patriots. Mariño was very angry about this. He gathered a small group of 45 patriots on the island of Chacachacare near Trinidad. This group included future generals like José Francisco Bermúdez.
With just a few muskets, they crossed the Gulf of Paria in canoes. They landed on the Venezuelan coast on January 11, 1813. The Governor of Trinidad tried to stop them, but Mariño's force had already left.
This small invasion force captured Guiria, a town on the coast. Luckily for them, most of the Royalist troops had moved inland. Only a local militia was left, which they quickly defeated. News of this victory spread fast. Soon, Mariño was leading a force of 5,000 men. They were armed with supplies captured at Guiria. They then marched towards Maturín.
Working with Bolívar and Other Leaders
In 1813, Simón Bolívar led his own campaign from the west. This was known as the Admirable Campaign. At the same time, Santiago Mariño invaded from the east. Both forces quickly defeated the royalist troops. Bolívar entered Caracas on August 6, 1813. He announced the restoration of the Venezuelan republic.
Mariño, based in Cumaná, did not fully recognize Bolívar's government. There was some disagreement between the two leaders over who should be in charge. Mariño called himself "Chief of the Independent Army." He conquered eastern Venezuela and set up his own government there. But Bolívar believed that Venezuela and New Granada needed one strong central government. This was his first idea for a greater Colombia.
In 1814, Mariño and his forces fought alongside Bolívar. Bolívar even gave command to Mariño for a time. This showed his trust in Mariño. However, they faced many defeats and had to retreat. Bolívar and Mariño were briefly removed from power by other leaders. They then went into exile.
In 1815, Bolívar and Mariño traveled to Jamaica and Haiti. In 1816, Mariño joined Bolívar's first expedition from Haiti. He became Bolívar's second-in-command. Later, Mariño and Bolívar had more disagreements. Mariño even led a movement that challenged Bolívar's authority.
Despite their differences, Mariño continued to serve the cause of independence. He represented the province of Cumaná in the Congress of Venezuela in 1819. He also led troops in battles.
Independence Achieved
Over time, more and more regional leaders joined Bolívar. Mariño was finally won over when Bolívar appointed him General-in-Chief of the Army of the East. This gave him control over important areas.
Mariño was a member of the Venezuelan Congress in 1819. He was also Chief of Staff during the second Battle of Carabobo. This important battle, fought on June 24, 1821, finally secured Venezuela's independence from Spain.
Later Life and Politics
After independence, Santiago Mariño remained active in Venezuelan politics. In 1831, he was named a main authority of the "State of the East." This was a separatist attempt, but it was stopped by President José Antonio Páez.
On July 8, 1835, Mariño led a military coup. This was called the "Revolución de las Reformas." Its goals included establishing military control and honoring Simón Bolívar. On July 9, 1835, President Jose Maria Vargas was forced out. Mariño briefly took control of the country. However, José Antonio Páez quickly put an end to Mariño's rule. Mariño was forced into exile in 1836. He fled to Curaçao, Jamaica, Haiti, and then Colombia.
Mariño returned to Venezuela in 1848. He became Army Chief under President José Tadeo Monagas. He fought against his former leader, General José Antonio Páez. Mariño had tried to become president of Venezuela several times without success. In 1848, he led the forces that defeated Páez. Páez was imprisoned and later exiled.
Santiago Mariño passed away in the town of La Victoria on September 4, 1854.
See also
