Zenón de Somodevilla, 1st Marquess of Ensenada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Most Excellent
The Marquess of Ensenada
|
|
|---|---|
Portrait at the Prado museum, ca. 1750
|
|
| Secretary of State | |
| In office 1748–1754 |
|
| Prime Minister | Ricardo Wall |
| Admiral of the Fleet Minister of Finance |
|
| Prime Minister | José de Carvajal y Lancáster |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 20 April 1702 La Rioja, Spain |
| Died | 2 December 1781 (aged 79) Medina del Campo, Spain |
| Profession | Statesman |
Zenón de Somodevilla y Bengoechea, known as the Marquess of Ensenada, was an important Spanish statesman. He was born on April 20, 1702, in Alesanco, near Logroño, Spain. He passed away on December 2, 1781. He became a powerful figure in the Spanish government.
Contents
Early Life and Career
Not much is known about Zenón de Somodevilla's early life. He started working for the Spanish navy in 1720 as a clerk. This was his first step into government work. He showed great skill in his administrative roles. For example, he helped with tasks in Ceuta and during the reoccupation of Oran.
His talents were noticed by Don José Patiño, a top minister for King Philip V. Patiño promoted him to oversee work at the Ferrol Naval Base. This base was very important for the Spanish Navy.
Rise to Power
Somodevilla also helped the Spanish government with the king's sons. These sons, Charles and Philip, were from the king's marriage to Elizabeth Farnese. The goal was to place them on the thrones of Naples and Parma. In 1736, Charles gave Somodevilla the title Marqués de la Ensenada. This title made him a marquess, a high rank of nobility.
In 1742, Ensenada became the Secretary of State and War for Philip, Duke of Parma. The next year, on April 11, 1743, he was chosen by King Philip V for even bigger roles. He became the Minister of Finance, War, the Navy, and the Indies. The Indies referred to Spain's overseas territories, like those in America.
Ensenada was only 41 years old when he became prime minister. He was a new kind of royal advisor. He was a talented person who had achieved success without being born into a noble family.
Leading Spain
Ensenada served as prime minister for the rest of King Philip V's reign. He continued in this role under the next king, Ferdinand VI, until 1754. During this time, he helped lead Spain to victory alongside France and Prussia in the War of the Austrian Succession. This was a major European conflict.
His time in government is known for his strong efforts to improve Spain. He created reports about the country's money and overall condition. He did this for the new king and again after peace was made with Great Britain in 1748.
Important Changes for Spain
Under Ensenada's leadership, the power of the Bourbon kings became more centralized. This meant the king had more control over the country. Many public works projects were started, like building roads or canals. He also worked to boost shipping and trade.
Ensenada believed in increasing the power of the crown. This included bringing the Catholic Church more under the king's control. He wanted to redefine the clergy (church officials) as specialists with less political power.
From 1749, Ensenada started a very important survey. It was called the Catastro of Ensenada. This was one of the biggest surveys of its kind in Europe at the time. It aimed to count people and property. The goal was to make taxes fairer for everyone.
Ensenada also worked with Jorge Juan and Antonio de Ulloa. They criticized how the Spanish Empire was run in America. They pointed out problems like corruption and inefficiency. Their secret report greatly influenced new policies. These policies became known as the Bourbon Reforms.
Foreign Policy and Challenges
Ensenada strongly supported an alliance with France. He believed this alliance was important to oppose Britain. The British ambassador, Sir Benjamin Keene, worked against Ensenada in the Spanish court. Keene managed to stop Ensenada from also taking over the foreign office.
Ensenada had the support of the Portuguese queen, Barbara. However, in 1754, he upset her. He opposed an exchange of Spanish and Portuguese lands in America that she wanted.
Following a court scandal, Ensenada was arrested on July 20, 1754. He was removed from his position as prime minister. He was sent to a mild confinement in Granada. Later, he was allowed to move to Puerto de Santa Maria.
Later Years
When Charles III became king in 1759, Ensenada was released. He was allowed to return to Madrid. The new king even made him part of a group working to reform the tax system.
However, Ensenada soon upset the king again. On April 18, 1766, he was exiled from the court once more. He was ordered to go to Medina del Campo. He stayed there until his death on December 2, 1781. He never returned to public life after this.
See also
In Spanish: Marqués de la Ensenada para niños
