Avgustin de Jauregui Spanish military and political figure Date of Birth: 07.05.1711 Country: Peru

1. Biography of Agustin de Jaurégi
2. Early Life and Military Service
3. Governorship of Chile
4. Viceroyalty of Peru
5. Later Life and Death

Biography of Agustin de Jaurégi

Agustin de Jaurégi was a Spanish military and political figure who served as the Governor of Chile (1772-1780) and later as the Viceroy of Peru (1780-1784).

Early Life and Military Service

Agustin de Jaurégi joined the army at the age of 25 and participated in the defense of Cartagena against the English in 1740. He served in various Spanish colonies in America, including Honduras, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. By the time he was appointed as the Governor of Chile, he had achieved the rank of Lieutenant General and received the Order of Santiago.

Governorship of Chile

In 1772, King Carlos III of Spain appointed Agustin de Jaurégi as the Governor of Chile, and he assumed his duties in October of the same year. Jaurégi sailed to Chile with his son, while his wife, a native of Havana, remained in Spain.

During his governorship, Jaurégi implemented numerous administrative and governmental reforms and introduced several innovations. Under his leadership, the first population census in Chile was conducted in 1778, resulting in a count of 259,646 inhabitants. He also established the first public postal service in Chile. Jaurégi faced opposition from many merchants when implementing tax reforms, but he managed to implement them nonetheless.

Jaurégi supervised the construction of the Santiago Cathedral, which was designed by an Italian architect specifically hired by him. He also played a significant role in the development of the Royal University and founded the Academy of Judicial Practice. In 1777, he organized a militia to protect rural residents from banditry. Additionally, he created two new cavalry regiments and one infantry regiment in the army, and with the king's approval, he increased the payment for military service.

Viceroyalty of Peru

In accordance with a royal decree, free trade between different trading ports in the colonies was allowed under Jaurégi's administration, leading to significant economic growth in Chile. He also secured a trade route through Cape Horn. In 1780, Jaurégi was appointed as the Viceroy of Peru, and his official reception took place on July 20th. However, he had to quickly deal with the challenging problem of the uprising led by Tupac Amaru II.

Jaurégi successfully suppressed the rebellion. In 1781, Tupac Amaru II was captured and brutally executed along with his family and closest supporters, thanks to betrayal. The remaining leaders of the rebellion were executed by 1783. During this period, the Spanish authorities eradicated the last descendants of Inca rulers to prevent any further claims to power in Peru. The repressions that followed the uprising affected almost the entire indigenous population of Peru.

As the Viceroy of Peru, Jaurégi focused on improving the region's defense capabilities. He established a militia and a postal service, among other measures.

Later Life and Death

Agustin de Jaurégi resigned from his position as Viceroy on April 6, 1784, and a few days later, he tragically passed away in Lima.