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Manuel BelgranoArgentine lawyer, politician and general
Date of Birth: 03.06.1770
Country:  Argentina |
Content:
- Manuel Belgrano: An Argentine Patriot and General
- Involvement in the Revolutionary Movement
- Military Leadership and the Northern Army
- Design of the Argentine Flag
- Diplomatic Mission to Europe
- Advocacy for a Constitutional Monarchy
- Civilian Roles and Legacy
Manuel Belgrano: An Argentine Patriot and General
Early Life and EducationManuel Belgrano was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to an Italian merchant, Domenico Belgrano, and a Ligurian woman, Peri. His father changed his name to Domingo Perez after moving to Buenos Aires. Manuel Belgrano received his education in Spain, completing his studies in law in 1794.
Involvement in the Revolutionary Movement
Upon his return to the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata, Belgrano was appointed as secretary of the royal consulate in Buenos Aires, a position that oversaw the economic development of the region. He was an active member of the Patriotic Society alongside other prominent figures such as Juan José Castelli, Mariano Moreno, Juan José Paso, and Domingo French. In 1810, Belgrano played a key role in the May Revolution and became a member of the "First Government" (Primera Junta) of the United Provinces of South America.
Military Leadership and the Northern Army
1811-1814: Commander of the Northern ArmyFrom 1811 to 1814, Belgrano led the "Northern Army" under the new government. In 1811, he led an unsuccessful "Paraguayan Expedition" to liberate Paraguay. However, in 1812, his forces defeated the Spanish royalist troops in the province of Tucumán and went on to achieve a decisive victory at Salta in 1813.
Design of the Argentine Flag
In 1812, Belgrano proposed a white and light blue flag as the symbol of the Argentine liberation movement. The government initially rejected his proposal. It was only four years later, after independence was declared, that the United Provinces government adopted Belgrano's flag, which remains the national flag of Argentina today.
Diplomatic Mission to Europe
In 1814, Belgrano and Bernardino Rivadavia (later the first president of Argentina) were sent on a diplomatic mission to Europe. They returned in 1816 and participated in the Congress of Tucumán, which declared independence from Spain.
Advocacy for a Constitutional Monarchy
In 1818, Belgrano advocated for the establishment of a constitutional monarchy in the United Provinces of Río de la Plata. He proposed the Duke of Lucca as a potential candidate for the throne.
Civilian Roles and Legacy
During the civil war that erupted in 1819, Belgrano was ordered by the Buenos Aires government to lead troops against General Protector José Artigas and Governor Estanislao Lopez. He reluctantly obeyed but was unable to participate in the fighting due to illness.
Manuel Belgrano died in Buenos Aires in 1820. He is remembered as a dedicated patriot, military leader, and one of the founding fathers of Argentina.
