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Jose GiralSpanish politician
Date of Birth: 22.10.1879
Country:  Mexico |
Content:
- Biography of José Hiral
- Scientific Career
- Political Activities
- Political and Scientific Career
- Premiership and Later Career
Biography of José Hiral
Early Life and EducationJosé Hiral was a Spanish politician and scientist, born in Cuba to a Spanish father and Cuban mother. He completed his education at the Cardinal Cisneros Institute in Madrid. Hiral obtained a doctorate in chemistry from the University of Madrid in 1902 and a diploma in pharmacy in 1904.
During his studies, Hiral was a member of the University Union, a group of intellectuals advocating for improvements in higher education. He worked in various laboratories in Madrid and co-founded the Spanish Physico-Chemical Society in 1903. Hiral published scientific articles in its journal, the "Annals".
Scientific Career
Hiral worked at the Pharmaceutical Faculty of the University of Madrid from 1904 and became a professor of organic chemistry at the University of Salamanca in 1905. He studied the organization of scientific research in France and established the Salmantina Chemical Society in Salamanca, which focused on the production of gelatin and the export of digitalis. In 1914, he opened a pharmacy in Salamanca and in 1920, another one in Madrid, which included a library and a chemical laboratory. Aside from his research in organic chemistry, Hiral also studied the issues of workers' nutrition and maintained a relationship with Miguel de Unamuno, a prominent figure in Spanish culture.
Political Activities
Hiral held republican political views and advocated for broad reforms, including the separation of church and state. He was a member of the liberal Masonic organization, "Great East of Spain." Hiral was arrested during the general strike of 1917, as meetings against the monarchy took place in his pharmacy in Madrid. His friend Manuel Asaña, the leader of the Republican Action Party, held the founding assembly of the party at Hiral's pharmacy. Hiral became a prominent figure in both Republican Action and the Republican Union, which was formed based on several parties, and later the Left Republican Party.
Political and Scientific Career
While involved in public and political activities, Hiral continued his scientific pursuits. In 1928, he became a professor of biochemistry at the Central University of Madrid. He also led the section of exact, physical, and natural sciences in the Athenaeum, a literary, scientific, and artistic society in Madrid, where Asaña became the president in 1930. At the Athenaeum, Hiral participated in a meeting of Republican leaders where the San Sebastián Pact was agreed upon, symbolizing the unity of all Republican forces.
After the proclamation of the Spanish Republic in 1931, Hiral became a deputy in the Cortes (parliament) representing Cáceres. He served as an advisor to the government and the rector of the Central University of Madrid. From October 1931 to September 1933 and from February 1936, Hiral served as the Navy Minister in the governments led by Asaña and later by Casares Quiroga. He implemented military reforms, significantly increased military salaries, and appointed republic supporters to key positions.
Premiership and Later Career
On July 19, 1936, Hiral was appointed as the Prime Minister of the Republican government and remained the Navy Minister. His government took decisive measures to combat the uprising military forces. In addition to arming their supporters, they established people's courts to prevent reprisals against left-wing activists, banned anti-republican organizations, transformed the Civil Guard into the National Republican Guard, and took control of enterprises abandoned by their owners.
In foreign policy, Hiral hoped for support from European democracies but was disappointed by their refusal to aid the Spanish Republic. In response, he sought assistance from the USSR. The military defeats of the Republican army and the imminent threat to Madrid, coupled with Hiral's moderate political views, led to a decline in his popularity. He was replaced as Prime Minister by the leader of the Socialists, Largo Caballero, on September 5, 1936.
During the Spanish Civil War, Hiral served as a minister without portfolio in the Largo Caballero cabinet from 1936 to 1937. He then became the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the government of Juan Negrin, attempting to secure European democratic support. After the Republican defeat in 1939, Hiral, like Asaña, emigrated to France and later moved to Mexico, where he remained until his death.
While in Mexico, Hiral served as a professor of biochemistry at the Polytechnic Institute and the National Autonomous University of Mexico. In September 1945, he became the Prime Minister of the Government of the Spanish Republic in exile, a position he held until January 1947. Hiral also participated in the Peace Supporters Movement.
