Antonio Valero de Bernabe
Encyclopedia
Brigadier General Antonio Valero de Bernabé (October 26, 1790 – June 7, 1863), aka The Liberator from Puerto Rico, was a military leader who fought for the independence of South America
together with Simón Bolívar and who wanted the independence of Puerto Rico
. He was an advocate of the formation of a confederation of Latin America
n nations.
, his father, Cayetano Valero de Bernabé, was an officer in the Spanish
Army and his mother, Rosa Pacheco de Onormandía, came from a rich Puerto Rican family. When he was quite young, his father died and Bernabe was sent by his family to Spain, to study military science - there he graduated as a junior officer's in 1807.
to permit him to pass through Spain to attack Portugal
. When Napoleon later refused to leave Spanish soil, the Spanish government declared war. Valero de Bernabé joined the Spanish Army and helped defeat Napoleon's army at the Siege of Saragossa (1808)
in the Peninsular War
, also known as the Spanish War of Independence. After this action, Valero de Bernabé was awarded many decorations and promoted to the rank of colonel.
When Ferdinand VII assumed the throne of Spain in 1813, Valero de Bernabé became critical of the new king's policies towards the Spanish colonies in Latin America and developed a keen hatred of the monarchy, resigned his commission in the army, and in 1821, emigrated to Mexico
.
headed by Agustín de Iturbide
, and of which Valero de Bernabé was named Chief of Staff. He successfully fought for Mexico's independence from Spain after which the people proclaimed Iturbide Emperor of Mexico
. Since Valero de Bernabé had developed anti-monarchist feelings following his experiences in Spain, he revolted against Iturbide; as a result he fled the country but was captured by a Spanish pirate who turned him over to the Spanish authorities in Cuba
, where he was imprisoned. Valero de Bernabé managed to escape from jail with the help of a group of men that were Pro-Simon Bolívar and followers of the Liberator's dream of an independent and unified South America.
's dream of liberating and creating a unified Latin America, which included Puerto Rico and Cuba, Valero de Bernabé decided to join him and stopped in St. Thomas where he established contacts with the Puerto Rican independence movement. He travelled to Venezuela
were he was met by General Carlos Soublette
. Soublette then introduces him to General Francisco de Paula Santander
, Vice-President of the Republic of Colombia. Impressed with Valero de Bernabé, Santander named him Brigadier General of the Colombian Army. Valero de Bernabé and his men together with the men of General Antonio José de Sucre
were victorious in the battle of Ayacucho which gave Peru
its independence.
He subsequently is introduced to Bolívar and gained Bolivar's confidence. In 1826, Valero de Bernabé was named Military Chief of the Department of Panama and successfully defended Panama from a Spanish invasion whose intention was to recapture the territory lost.
Bolívar called for a constitutional convention at Ocaña
during April 1828. He had seen his dream of eventually engendering an American Revolution-style federation between all the newly independent republics, with a government ideally set-up solely to recognize and uphold individual rights, succumb to the pressures of particular interests throughout the region, which rejected that model and had little or no allegiance to liberal principles, thus Valero de Bernabé's dream that Puerto Rico and Cuba would be liberated from Spanish rule and join the Great Colombia (known as the United Provinces of New Granada
) as an independent state called Borinquen were not realized. There were many disagreements and rivalries between the delegates. For example General's José Antonio Páez
of Venezuela and Francisco de Paula Santander of Colombia differed in ideas and became bitter enemies. However, in regard to fighting for Puerto Rico's and Cuba's independence, the most influential factor against such actions, were protests presented by the Governments of the United States
, France, England and Mexico who claimed to have commercial interests in both islands and therefore were against the idea.
Valero de Bernabé founded the Liberal Party of Venezuela
. Among the many positions which he held were: "Military Chief of the Department of Panama
", "Governor of Puerto Cabello", "Chief of Staff of Colombia
", "Minister of War and Maritime of Venezuela" Throughout his career he was always loyal to Bolívar with whom he became firm friends. He was later falsely accused of plotting against the Liberator and was sent into exile in St. Thomas with his wife, María Madrid, whom he had married in Spain, and his children.
In his lifetime, Valero de Bernabé was also awarded:
Antonio Valero de Bernabé continued to be politically active until the day that he died June 7, 1863, in Bogotá
, Colombia
, where he was buried. In 1874, the Venezuelan government built a National Pantheon of the Founding Fathers where the remains of their heroes were to be placed. Valero de Bernabé's name is inscribed on the monument but his remains, which were never located, were not placed at the site. Puerto Rico has also honored Valero de Bernabé's memory by naming a school and an avenue after him. There is also a statue of Valero de Bernabé in the city of Fajardo, his native city.
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
together with Simón Bolívar and who wanted the independence of Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
. He was an advocate of the formation of a confederation of Latin America
Latin America
Latin America is a region of the Americas where Romance languages – particularly Spanish and Portuguese, and variably French – are primarily spoken. Latin America has an area of approximately 21,069,500 km² , almost 3.9% of the Earth's surface or 14.1% of its land surface area...
n nations.
Early years
Valero de Bernabé was born in Fajardo, Puerto RicoFajardo, Puerto Rico
Fajardo is a small city in Puerto Rico located in the east region of the island, bordering the Atlantic Ocean, north of Ceiba and east of Luquillo.Fajardo is spread over 7 wards and Downtown Fajardo , which serves as the administrative center of the city...
, his father, Cayetano Valero de Bernabé, was an officer in the Spanish
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
Army and his mother, Rosa Pacheco de Onormandía, came from a rich Puerto Rican family. When he was quite young, his father died and Bernabe was sent by his family to Spain, to study military science - there he graduated as a junior officer's in 1807.
Spanish military service
Valero de Bernabé was a recent graduate of the military instutution when Napoleon Bonaparte convinced King Charles IV of SpainCharles IV of Spain
Charles IV was King of Spain from 14 December 1788 until his abdication on 19 March 1808.-Early life:...
to permit him to pass through Spain to attack Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
. When Napoleon later refused to leave Spanish soil, the Spanish government declared war. Valero de Bernabé joined the Spanish Army and helped defeat Napoleon's army at the Siege of Saragossa (1808)
Siege of Saragossa (1808)
The First Siege of Saragossa was a bloody struggle in the Peninsular War. A French army under General Jean-Antoine Verdier besieged, repeatedly stormed, and was repulsed from the Spanish city of Saragossa over the summer of 1808....
in the Peninsular War
Peninsular War
The Peninsular War was a war between France and the allied powers of Spain, the United Kingdom, and Portugal for control of the Iberian Peninsula during the Napoleonic Wars. The war began when French and Spanish armies crossed Spain and invaded Portugal in 1807. Then, in 1808, France turned on its...
, also known as the Spanish War of Independence. After this action, Valero de Bernabé was awarded many decorations and promoted to the rank of colonel.
When Ferdinand VII assumed the throne of Spain in 1813, Valero de Bernabé became critical of the new king's policies towards the Spanish colonies in Latin America and developed a keen hatred of the monarchy, resigned his commission in the army, and in 1821, emigrated to Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
.
Mexican military service
In Mexico he joined the Army of the Three GuaranteesArmy of the Three Guarantees
At the end of the Mexican War of Independence, the Army of the Three Guarantees was the name given to the army after the unification of the Spanish troops led by Agustín de Iturbide and the Mexican insurgent troops of Vicente Guerrero, consolidating Mexico's independence from Spain...
headed by Agustín de Iturbide
Agustín de Iturbide
Agustín Cosme Damián de Iturbide y Aramburu , also known as Augustine I of Mexico, was a Mexican army general who built a successful political and military coalition that was able to march into Mexico City on 27 September 1821, decisively ending the Mexican War of Independence...
, and of which Valero de Bernabé was named Chief of Staff. He successfully fought for Mexico's independence from Spain after which the people proclaimed Iturbide Emperor of Mexico
Emperor of Mexico
The Emperor of Mexico was the head of state and ruler of Mexico on two non-consecutive occasions in the 19th century....
. Since Valero de Bernabé had developed anti-monarchist feelings following his experiences in Spain, he revolted against Iturbide; as a result he fled the country but was captured by a Spanish pirate who turned him over to the Spanish authorities in Cuba
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
, where he was imprisoned. Valero de Bernabé managed to escape from jail with the help of a group of men that were Pro-Simon Bolívar and followers of the Liberator's dream of an independent and unified South America.
The Liberator from Puerto Rico
Upon learning of BolívarSimón Bolívar
Simón José Antonio de la Santísima Trinidad Bolívar y Palacios Ponte y Yeiter, commonly known as Simón Bolívar was a Venezuelan military and political leader...
's dream of liberating and creating a unified Latin America, which included Puerto Rico and Cuba, Valero de Bernabé decided to join him and stopped in St. Thomas where he established contacts with the Puerto Rican independence movement. He travelled to Venezuela
Venezuela
Venezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
were he was met by General Carlos Soublette
Carlos Soublette
Carlos Soublette was President of Venezuela 1837-1839 and 1843–1847, and a hero of the Venezuelan War of Independence....
. Soublette then introduces him to General Francisco de Paula Santander
Francisco de Paula Santander
Francisco José de Paula Santander y Omaña , was a Colombian military and political leader during the 1810–1819 independence war of the United Provinces of New Granada...
, Vice-President of the Republic of Colombia. Impressed with Valero de Bernabé, Santander named him Brigadier General of the Colombian Army. Valero de Bernabé and his men together with the men of General Antonio José de Sucre
Antonio José de Sucre
Antonio José de Sucre y Alcalá , known as the "Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho" , was a Venezuelan independence leader. Sucre was one of Simón Bolívar's closest friends, generals and statesmen.-Ancestry:...
were victorious in the battle of Ayacucho which gave Peru
Peru
Peru , officially the Republic of Peru , is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean....
its independence.
He subsequently is introduced to Bolívar and gained Bolivar's confidence. In 1826, Valero de Bernabé was named Military Chief of the Department of Panama and successfully defended Panama from a Spanish invasion whose intention was to recapture the territory lost.
Bolívar called for a constitutional convention at Ocaña
Ocaña
Ocaña may refer to:*Ocaña, Colombia, a city in Norte de Santander department*Ocaña, Spain, a town in the province of Toledo, site of:**Battle of Ocana, during the Peninsular War*Luis Ocana, a Spanish cyclistSee also:...
during April 1828. He had seen his dream of eventually engendering an American Revolution-style federation between all the newly independent republics, with a government ideally set-up solely to recognize and uphold individual rights, succumb to the pressures of particular interests throughout the region, which rejected that model and had little or no allegiance to liberal principles, thus Valero de Bernabé's dream that Puerto Rico and Cuba would be liberated from Spanish rule and join the Great Colombia (known as the United Provinces of New Granada
United Provinces of New Granada
The United Provinces of New Granada was a country in South America from 1811 to 1816, a period known in Colombian history as the Patria Boba. It was formed from areas of the New Kingdom of Granada. The government was a federation with a parliamentary system, consisting of a weak executive and...
) as an independent state called Borinquen were not realized. There were many disagreements and rivalries between the delegates. For example General's José Antonio Páez
José Antonio Páez
José Antonio Páez Herrera was General in Chief of the army fighting Spain during the Venezuelan Wars of Independence, in addition to becoming the President of Venezuela once it was independent of the Gran Colombia...
of Venezuela and Francisco de Paula Santander of Colombia differed in ideas and became bitter enemies. However, in regard to fighting for Puerto Rico's and Cuba's independence, the most influential factor against such actions, were protests presented by the Governments of the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, France, England and Mexico who claimed to have commercial interests in both islands and therefore were against the idea.
Valero de Bernabé founded the Liberal Party of Venezuela
Liberalism in Venezuela
This article gives an overview of liberalism in Venezuela. It is limited to liberal parties with substantial support, mainly proved by having had a representation in parliament. The sign ⇒ means a reference to another party in that scheme...
. Among the many positions which he held were: "Military Chief of the Department of Panama
Panama
Panama , officially the Republic of Panama , is the southernmost country of Central America. Situated on the isthmus connecting North and South America, it is bordered by Costa Rica to the northwest, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The...
", "Governor of Puerto Cabello", "Chief of Staff of Colombia
Colombia
Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia , is a unitary constitutional republic comprising thirty-two departments. The country is located in northwestern South America, bordered to the east by Venezuela and Brazil; to the south by Ecuador and Peru; to the north by the Caribbean Sea; to the...
", "Minister of War and Maritime of Venezuela" Throughout his career he was always loyal to Bolívar with whom he became firm friends. He was later falsely accused of plotting against the Liberator and was sent into exile in St. Thomas with his wife, María Madrid, whom he had married in Spain, and his children.
Later years and Legacy
When Bolívar died in 1830, Valero de Bernabé was permitted by the government of Venezuela to serve as an honour guard at his funeral. In 1853 Venezuela honoured Valero de Bernabé by presenting him with "The Bust of the Liberator of Venezuela".In his lifetime, Valero de Bernabé was also awarded:
- "The Medal of the Liberators of Mexico",
- "The Bust of the Liberator of PeruPeruPeru , officially the Republic of Peru , is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean....
", and the - "Medal del Callao"
Antonio Valero de Bernabé continued to be politically active until the day that he died June 7, 1863, in Bogotá
Bogotá
Bogotá, Distrito Capital , from 1991 to 2000 called Santa Fé de Bogotá, is the capital, and largest city, of Colombia. It is also designated by the national constitution as the capital of the department of Cundinamarca, even though the city of Bogotá now comprises an independent Capital district...
, Colombia
Colombia
Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia , is a unitary constitutional republic comprising thirty-two departments. The country is located in northwestern South America, bordered to the east by Venezuela and Brazil; to the south by Ecuador and Peru; to the north by the Caribbean Sea; to the...
, where he was buried. In 1874, the Venezuelan government built a National Pantheon of the Founding Fathers where the remains of their heroes were to be placed. Valero de Bernabé's name is inscribed on the monument but his remains, which were never located, were not placed at the site. Puerto Rico has also honored Valero de Bernabé's memory by naming a school and an avenue after him. There is also a statue of Valero de Bernabé in the city of Fajardo, his native city.
See also
- List of famous Puerto Ricans
- List of Puerto Rican military personnel
- Simón BolívarSimón BolívarSimón José Antonio de la Santísima Trinidad Bolívar y Palacios Ponte y Yeiter, commonly known as Simón Bolívar was a Venezuelan military and political leader...
- Agustín de IturbideAgustín de IturbideAgustín Cosme Damián de Iturbide y Aramburu , also known as Augustine I of Mexico, was a Mexican army general who built a successful political and military coalition that was able to march into Mexico City on 27 September 1821, decisively ending the Mexican War of Independence...
- María de las Mercedes BarbudoMaría de las Mercedes BarbudoMaría de las Mercedes Barbudo was a political activist who was the first Puerto Rican female "Independentista", meaning that she was the first Puerto Rican woman to become an avid advocate of Puerto Rican Independence or "Freedom Fighter"...
- Ducoudray Holstein ExpeditionDucoudray Holstein ExpeditionThe Ducoudray Holstein Expedition was an attempt by commercial interests to invade Puerto Rico and declare it the independent "Republica Boricua" in 1822....