Segismundo Moret facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Most Excellent Segismundo Moret
Photograph by Kaulak
Prime Minister of Spain
In office 1 December 1905 – 6 July 1906
Monarch	Alfonso XIII
Preceded by	Eugenio Montero Ríos
Succeeded by	José López Domínguez
In office 30 November 1906 – 4 December 1906
Monarch	Alfonso XIII
Preceded by	José López Domínguez
Succeeded by	Antonio González de Aguilar
In office 21 October 1909 – 9 February 1910
Monarch	Alfonso XIII
Preceded by	Antonio Maura
Succeeded by	José Canalejas
Personal details
Born	Segismundo Moret y Prendergast 2 June 1833 Cádiz, Spain
Died	28 January 1913 (aged 79) Madrid, Spain
Signature

Segismundo Moret y Prendergast (born June 2, 1833 – died January 28, 1913) was an important Spanish politician and writer. He served as the leader of Spain, known as the Prime Minister, three different times. He was also the head of the Spanish parliament, called the Congress of Deputies, twice.

Segismundo Moret's Early Life and Education

Segismundo Moret was born in Cádiz, Spain, on June 2, 1833. His mother's family, the Prendergasts, had roots in Ireland.

He went to the Universidad Central in Madrid. In 1858, he became a professor there. He taught about how countries manage their money, which is called political economy. At the same time, he continued his own studies in law.

Entering Politics and Fighting for Change

In 1863, Moret was chosen to be a representative in the Spanish parliament. He represented the town of Almadén. He was re-elected in 1868 after a big change in the government, called the Revolution of 1868.

Moret helped write Spain's new Constitution in 1869. People noticed him because he was a very good speaker.

Working for Freedom and Rights

In 1870, Moret became the Minister of Overseas. This job meant he was in charge of Spain's colonies far away. He was part of the Spanish Abolitionist Society, which worked to end slavery. He strongly pushed for the end of slavery and for Puerto Rico to have its own constitution.

In 1871, he became the Minister of the Treasury. This job was about managing the country's money. He worked for King Amadeo I. In 1872, he became Spain's ambassador in London. An ambassador represents their country in another country. However, he left this job a few months later to work at a big British bank.

Return to Spain and Key Government Roles

In 1875, the old royal family, the Bourbon dynasty, returned to the Spanish throne. Moret then came back to Spain. He started a new political group called the Partido Democrático-Monárquico.

He was again elected to parliament in 1879. In 1882, he showed his support for the monarchy. In 1883, he became the Minister of the Interior. This role is about managing things inside the country.

After 1885, he joined the Liberal Party. He worked closely with Práxedes Mateo Sagasta. Moret held many important jobs, including:

• Minister of State (foreign affairs) from 1885 to 1888.
• Minister of the Interior again in 1888, 1901, and 1902.
• Minister of Development in 1892.
• Minister of State (foreign affairs) again in 1892 and 1894.
• Minister for Overseas Colonies from 1897 to 1898.

Efforts to Prevent War

In 1897, as Minister for Overseas Colonies, Moret tried to give Cuba and Puerto Rico more independence. He hoped this would stop them from breaking away from Spain. However, his efforts did not work. He was against the war against the United States in 1898.

In 1902, he helped create the Institute of Social Reform. This group was important because it was the beginning of what would later become the Ministry of Labour, which helps workers.

Becoming Prime Minister

In 1905, Segismundo Moret became the Prime Minister. This is the head of the government. However, he had to leave the job in July 1906 because he lost support in parliament. He briefly became Prime Minister again later that same year, from November 30 to December 4.

After some violent events in Barcelona in 1909, known as the "Tragic Week", Moret was again made Prime Minister. He was also the Minister of the Interior at this time. He had to resign in February 1910.

Moret was elected as the head of the Congress of Deputies (the Spanish parliament) in 1912. He held this important position until he passed away on January 28, 1913. He had served as speaker of the Spanish lower house twice before.

See also

In Spanish: Segismundo Moret para niños

• List of prime ministers of Spain
• Monument to Moret (Cádiz)