Vicente Salias facts for kids

Vicente Salias (born March 23, 1776 – died September 17, 1814) was a Venezuelan doctor, journalist, and writer. He is famous for writing Venezuela's national anthem, "Glory to the Brave People." He was born in Puerto Cabello, Carabobo, Venezuela.

Early Life and Education

Vicente Salias's parents were Francisco Salias Tordesillo and María Margarita Sanija Cabeza de Vaca. He had four brothers: Juan Marino, Carlos Pedro, and Francisco. His brothers, except Francisco, died fighting for Venezuela's freedom.

Vicente started studying philosophy at the Universidad Central de Venezuela in Caracas in 1788. Later, he studied Law but left after a year. He was very keen on learning. He then studied medicine, and his teacher, Felipe Tamariz, helped him a lot. Before going to university, he earned degrees in Philosophy and Medicine. He then began his career as a doctor.

A Doctor Who Cared

Vicente Salias made important contributions to medicine. In 1804 and 1805, he wrote articles about smallpox vaccination. This was a big deal because smallpox was a very dangerous disease at the time. His work helped spread knowledge about how to prevent it.

Fighting for Freedom

Salias was a leader and founder of the Patriotic Society of Caracas. This group wanted Venezuela to be independent from Spain. He and his brothers were very active in the Revolution of April 19, 1810. During this event, the Spanish leaders were removed from power in Caracas. A new government, called the Supreme Junta, was formed.

The new government sent people to other countries to get support. Vicente Salias and Mariano Montilla traveled to Jamaica and Curaçao. Their job was to tell people about the revolution in Venezuela and ask for help. Salias also worked in the Ministry of Finance and helped General Francisco de Miranda during the time of the First Republic of Venezuela.

He was captured by the Spanish forces and held in castles in Puerto Cabello and Valencia. However, he was released in 1813.

His Final Fight

Vicente Salias continued to fight for Venezuela's independence alongside Simón Bolívar, who is known as Venezuela's liberator. In 1814, Salias was captured again. He was executed in the Castle of San Felipe. His last words showed his strong belief in freedom: "God Almighty if in the Heavens they admit the Spaniards, then I renounce to the Heavens!"

See also

In Spanish: Vicente Salias para niños