Tomás de Figueroa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tomás de Figueroa
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| Born | 1747 Estepona, Spain |
| Died | April, 1811 (aged 63–64) Santiago, Captaincy General of Chile, Spanish Empire |
| Allegiance | Spain |
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Tomás de Figueroa y Caravaca (1747 – 1811) was a Spanish soldier. He played a role in the early days of Chile's fight for independence. Figueroa worked for the Spanish king, meaning he was a royalist. He served in military bases like Valdivia and later in Santiago.
Who Was Tomás de Figueroa?
Tomás de Figueroa was born in 1747 in Estepona, a town near Málaga in southern Spain. He became a soldier. In 1775, he moved to Chile. This was a time when many people in Chile wanted to become independent from Spain.
Early Military Career
Figueroa was a dedicated soldier for the Spanish Crown. He was sent to different parts of Chile. His job was to help keep Spanish control. He served in important military outposts.
Stopping a Rebellion
In late 1792, a group of native people called the Huilliche started an uprising. This happened around Río Bueno in southern Chile. Tomás de Figueroa led the Spanish forces. They worked to stop this rebellion. His actions helped the Spanish keep control of the area.
The Figueroa Mutiny
By 1811, the desire for independence was growing strong in Chile. Many people wanted to rule themselves. However, Tomás de Figueroa wanted to keep Chile under Spanish rule. On April 1, 1811, he led a mutiny in Santiago. A mutiny is when soldiers rebel against their leaders. Figueroa's goal was to bring back the old Spanish colonial government.
The leaders who wanted independence quickly reacted. Juan Martínez de Rozas was a key leader for independence. He ordered Figueroa to be stopped. Tomás de Figueroa was captured and put to death in April 1811. His death marked an important moment in Chile's journey to becoming an independent country.
