1. Overview
Luis Gálvez Rodríguez de Arias (Luis Gálvez Rodríguez de AriasSpanish) was a Spanish journalist, diplomat, and adventurer who founded and served as the first provisional president of the Republic of Acre from 1899 to 1900. His short-lived presidency saw significant efforts to establish modern state institutions and address social, environmental, and urban concerns in the nascent republic. After being overthrown and exiled, he returned to Brazil before his eventual death in Spain. His actions left an enduring historical legacy in the Acre region, influencing its identity and being commemorated in various cultural works.
2. Early Life and Career
Luis Gálvez's early life laid the foundation for his later adventurous and political endeavors. His formative years and initial professional experiences equipped him with a diverse skill set that would prove crucial in the Amazon.
2.1. Birth and Education
Born in Spain in 1864, Luis Gálvez Rodríguez de Arias pursued higher education at the prestigious University of Seville. There, he delved into the studies of legal and social sciences, acquiring knowledge that would later inform his governance efforts in Acre.
2.2. Diplomatic and Journalistic Activities
Gálvez began his professional career in the Spanish diplomatic service, working in key international cities such as Rome and Buenos Aires. In 1897, driven by a quest for the mythical El Dorado, he migrated to South America and ventured into the vast Amazon rainforest. Upon his arrival, he transitioned into journalism, working for the newspaper Correio do Pará in Belém. Subsequently, he moved to Manaus, where he contributed to the local newspaper Commercio do Amazonas.
3. Founding and Rule of the Republic of Acre
Gálvez's involvement in the Acre independence movement culminated in the establishment of a self-proclaimed republic, where he briefly served as its leader, implementing ambitious plans for a modern nation.
3.1. Background to the Acre Rebellion and Declaration of Independence
The context for Gálvez's pivotal role in Acre's history began when the Bolivian government signed a significant rubber trade and export agreement. This was formalized through a lease agreement with a consortium of foreign capitalists known as the Bolivian Syndicate, which was notably chaired by the son of the then-President of the United States. As an employee of the Bolivian Consulate in Belém, Gálvez received a copy of this crucial document for translation into English. Recognizing the implications of the agreement for the region, Gálvez brought the matter to the attention of Governor Ramalho Júnior and disclosed his intention to advocate for Acre's independence. The Governor, though clandestinely, supported Gálvez's audacious plan, providing essential resources. This support included financial aid, weapons, ammunition, provisions, and even a specially chartered ship equipped with a cannon and a twenty-man garrison.
On July 14, 1899, Gálvez led a rebellion in Acre. The revolt involved local rubber tappers and seasoned veterans of the Cuban War of Independence. This date was strategically chosen to coincide with the one hundred and tenth anniversary of the Fall of the Bastille, symbolizing a break from oppressive rule. He then proclaimed the independent Republic of Acre, justifying this bold move by asserting that "not being Brazilian, rubber tappers in Acre did not accept becoming Bolivian." The newly formed entity was notably characterized by the United States as a "rubber country," highlighting its primary economic driver.
3.2. Presidency and Governance of the Republic of Acre
Upon the declaration of independence, Luis Gálvez assumed the provisional presidency of the Republic of Acre, often referred to as the "Emperor of Acre," ruling for a first term from July 14, 1899, to January 1, 1900. After a brief interruption, he held a second term from January 30 to March 15, 1900. During his tenure, he undertook significant efforts to formalize and modernize the nascent state. He established foundational state symbols, including the official Arms of the Republic and a distinct national flag. Gálvez meticulously organized government ministries and initiated the creation of vital public services, setting up schools and hospitals. He also formed a national army and a fire department, aiming to build a comprehensive administrative structure. Beyond his executive duties, he served as a judge and even oversaw the issuance of the republic's own postage stamps. Gálvez envisioned a modern country for its time, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach that incorporated social, environmental, and urban concerns into his policies. To solidify the republic's standing, he issued numerous decrees and sent diplomatic dispatches to various European countries, additionally appointing diplomatic representatives to foster international relations.
3.3. Overthrow and Exile
Despite his progressive governance, Luis Gálvez's rule was short-lived. After just six months in office, a coup d'état orchestrated by the Brazilian rubber tapper Antônio de Sousa Braga led to his removal. Although Braga briefly reinstated Gálvez to power a month later, the Republic of Acre's existence was fundamentally challenged by international treaties. The Treaty of Ayacucho, signed in 1867 between Brazil and Bolivia, had previously recognized Acre as a Bolivian possession. Consequently, Brazil intervened militarily.
The Brazilian government dispatched a formidable military expedition, comprising four warships and additional infantry troops, with the explicit aim of arresting Luis Gálvez, dissolving the Republic of Acre, and returning the region to Bolivian sovereignty. On March 11, 1900, facing overwhelming force, Luis Gálvez surrendered to the task force of the Brazilian Navy. His surrender took place at the headquarters of the Caquetá rubber plantation, situated on the banks of the Acre River. Following his surrender, he was initially exiled to Recife, Pernambuco, and subsequently deported to Europe.
4. Later Life and Death
After his tumultuous period as the leader of the Republic of Acre, Luis Gálvez continued to experience a life marked by significant events and geographic shifts until his death.
4.1. Return to Brazil and Subsequent Life
Years after his deportation to Europe, Luis Gálvez eventually returned to Brazil. However, his return was met with immediate consequences; the government of Amazonas arrested him. He was then sent to the Fort of São Joaquim do Rio Branco, a historical fortification located in what is now the state of Roraima. Despite his confinement, Gálvez managed to escape from the fort, resuming his life outside of direct imprisonment.
4.2. Death
Luis Gálvez Rodríguez de Arias died in 1935 in Madrid, Spain, bringing an end to the life of the journalist, diplomat, and adventurer who once declared an independent republic in the heart of the Amazon.
5. Legacy and Assessment
Luis Gálvez's actions, though brief, left a significant and lasting impact on the history and identity of the Acre region. His bold attempt to establish an independent state continues to resonate through various forms of commemoration and cultural representation.
5.1. Historical Legacy
Gálvez's historical traces are prominently visible throughout Acre. A river in the region bears his name, serving as a geographical testament to his influence. Perhaps most notably, at the entrance to the Legislative Assembly of the State of Acre (ALEAC), a statue of Gálvez stands proudly. Behind him, the flag of the Independent State of Acre is displayed. Engraved on the statue is his powerful and memorable quote: "If the Homeland does not want us, we create another one! Long live the Independent State of Acre!" This phrase was uttered by Gálvez on July 14, 1899, during the declaration of the Republic of Acre to the assembled population. It quickly became a significant "catchphrase" in the region. Even over a century later, this phrase remains an emblematic expression of Acrean identity, although many residents may not perfectly recall its exact wording.
5.2. In Popular Culture
Luis Gálvez's life and the dramatic events surrounding the Republic of Acre have captured the imagination of artists and writers, leading to his portrayal in various popular culture works. Márcio de Souza's novel, "Gálvez, the Emperor of Acre," published in 1976, marked his first Feuilleton and proved to be highly successful, seeing fourteen editions by 2007. The story also found its way to television screens. In 2007, Rede Globo, a major Brazilian television network, aired a miniseries titled "Amazônia, from Galvez to Chico Mendes". This production was dedicated to exploring the history of the state of Acre, with the renowned actor José Wilker portraying Luis Gálvez Rodríguez Arias. Furthermore, in 2003, Spanish writer Alfonso Domingo contributed to Gálvez's cultural legacy by publishing a historical novel centered on his life as the main character.