Teodomiro Menéndez facts for kids
Teodomiro Menéndez Fernández (born in Oviedo, 1879 – died in Madrid, 1978) was an important Spanish politician. He was also a socialist, meaning he believed in a society where everyone is equal and works together. He was involved in syndicalism, which means he supported trade unions that protect workers' rights.
Early Life and Career
Teodomiro Menéndez Fernández was born in Oviedo, Spain, in 1879. He started working very young at the Weapons Factory of La Vega in Oviedo. He learned a lot by attending classes at the University Extension in Oviedo.
He began his political journey in 1911 when he ran for election to the Oviedo City Hall. He was elected as a councillor, which is like a local government official. In 1919, he became a deputy for the Cortes Generales, which is the Spanish parliament.
In 1917, Teodomiro led a railway strike in Asturias as the head of the railroad union. After the army stopped the strike, he was arrested and put in jail.
Political Roles and Challenges
In 1931, during the time of the Second Spanish Republic, Teodomiro was again elected as a deputy for the Cortes Generales, representing Oviedo. From 1932 to 1933, he served as the Minister of Public Works. In this role, he planned new railway connections for Madrid.
In 1934, he took part in a general strike known as the October 1934. He was captured by Moroccan troops and sentenced to death. He was held in El Dueso prison in Cantabria. He was released in February 1936 when the Popular Front won the elections.
Civil War and Exile
After the elections, the Spanish Civil War began. Teodomiro fought on the Republican side. When the war ended in 1939, he went into exile in France to avoid being imprisoned again.
In 1940, when the Nazi occupation of France happened, he was arrested in Bordeaux and sent back to Spain. Once in Spain, he was sentenced to death for a second time. However, in 1950, after ten years in prison, his death sentence was changed to 30 years in jail. He was eventually released thanks to the efforts of Serrano Súñer.
Later Life
Teodomiro Menéndez Fernández passed away in Madrid in 1978 at the age of 99. He had been imprisoned sixteen times and sentenced to death twice during his life. He was buried in the civil cemetery of Madrid.
