Can you sense the weight of history emanating from this bust of Martín de Álzaga? He was no ordinary man. He shaped the destiny of Buenos Aires during tumultuous times. Martín de Álzaga arrived in Buenos Aires as a young boy. He was just eleven years old and penniless. He barely spoke Spanish only knowing Basque.
Through hard work Martín de Álzaga became a successful merchant. He traded slaves textiles and firearms. He earned respect becoming a member of the Buenos Aires Cabildo. By 1785 Martín de Álzaga was known as the Defender of the Poor. In 1794 he helped found the city’s Chamber of Commerce.
In 1806 the British invaded Buenos Aires. Martín de Álzaga put his wealth to the city’s defense. He organized secret groups and funded their efforts. General Beresford demanded all civilian arms be surrendered. Martín de Álzaga a smuggling expert collected hundreds of weapons. He established secret workshops to repair them. Martín de Álzaga rented houses around Plaza Mayor. From there tunnels were dug to mine the Fort.
Martín de Álzaga also rented the Perdriel Ranch. Volunteers trained there preparing for battle. British spies discovered the ranch too late. When Santiago de Liniers returned from Montevideo Martín de Álzaga’s army joined him. The British were quickly defeated. The viceroyalty was saved.
Following the victory Martín de Álzaga convened an open council. It removed Viceroy Sobremonte from command. Liniers took his place. Martín de Álzaga became Mayor on January 1 1807. The British fleet however awaited reinforcements. They captured Montevideo easily. Martín de Álzaga ordered Sobremonte’s arrest. Liniers was appointed viceroy.
Martín de Álzaga organized volunteer militias. The army held over six thousand men. He even funded a regiment of Asturians and Vizcayans himself. The British attacked again on July 2 1807. Liniers was defeated at Miserere. Martín de Álzaga urged Liniers to defend the city. He organized house-by-house defenses. The city was illuminated with oil lamps for nighttime work. Projectiles and arms were placed on rooftops.
The British attacked in separate columns. This tactical error allowed the defenders to defeat them. On July 7 the British surrendered. Martín de Álzaga demanded the surrender of Montevideo too.
Later Martín de Álzaga organized a revolution against Liniers. He wanted to depose the viceroy. On January 1 1809 Martín de Álzaga’s regiments took to the streets. They demanded Liniers’ resignation. Martín de Álzaga wanted to establish a junta. But Cornelio Saavedra intervened disbanding the mutinous forces. Martín de Álzaga was arrested.
Despite these setbacks Martín de Álzaga played a role in the May Revolution. He helped form the Primera Junta. However in 1812 he was accused of conspiracy. He was arrested and executed on July 6 1812. His body was displayed in Plaza de la Victoria. Martín de Álzaga’s legacy is complex. He was a hero and a controversial figure. His actions shaped the early history of Argentina.