Nataniel Aguirre

Nataniel Aguirre[1†]

Nataniel Aguirre González (1843–1888) was a Bolivian lawyer, diplomat, politician, writer, and historian. A key figure during the War of the Pacific, he championed liberal ideas and federalism. His literary masterpiece, "Juan de la Rosa: Memorias del último soldado de la Independencia" (1885), is Bolivia's national novel. Regarded as the finest 19th-century Spanish American novel by Menéndez y Pelayo, Aguirre's legacy extends beyond politics to literature, leaving an indelible mark on Bolivian identity[1†][2†][3†].

Early Years and Education

Nataniel Aguirre was born on October 10, 1843, in the Hacienda de Huayllani, in the department of Cochabamba, Bolivia[1†]. He was the fourth of five children born to financier and Bolivian politician Miguel María de Aguirre and María Manuela González de Prada[1†]. Tragically, his mother passed away when he was only three years old[1†].

Aguirre completed his high school education in Sucre in 1857[1†]. During this time, he met Margarita de Achá, the daughter of President José María de Achá[1†]. He was deeply enamored with her, dedicating a poem to her, and they eventually married on March 30, 1864, after Aguirre graduated from law school[1†]. They had nine children, one of whom, José, also became a writer and politician[1†].

Aguirre pursued his higher education at the Universidad Mayor de San Simón, where he studied law[1†]. He graduated in 1864[1†]. As a student, he founded “El Independiente” in 1862, where he wrote for one column[1†]. In the same year of his graduation, he was appointed secretary of the Bolivian Delegation in Lima[1†].

The González Prada family, relatives of Aguirre on his mother’s side, introduced him to intellectual and political circles in Peru[1†]. This exposure likely played a significant role in shaping his political and literary career[1†].

Career Development and Achievements

Nataniel Aguirre’s career was marked by significant contributions in both the political and literary fields[1†][2†].

In 1864, Aguirre was appointed secretary of the Bolivian Delegation in Lima[1†]. This position allowed him to interact with intellectual and political circles in Peru, which likely influenced his political and literary career[1†].

Aguirre was a representative for Chapare Province and helped write its 1872 constitution[1†]. He served as a member of President Tomás Frías’s Council of State in 1872 and was the prefect of Cochabamba in 1879[1†].

During the War of the Pacific in 1879, Aguirre led the Vanguardia squadron[1†]. He also directed the Convention of 1880, which ratified Narciso Campero as the constitutional president[1†]. He served first as Minister of War and then as Minister of Foreign Relations[1†]. As Minister of Foreign Relations, he negotiated the Pact of Truce between Bolivia and Chile in 1884, even though he personally favored continuing the war[1†].

In addition to his political career, Aguirre was a prolific writer. His most notable work is the historical novel “Juan de la Rosa: Memorias del último soldado de la Independencia” (1885), which is considered the national novel of Bolivia[1†][2†]. The novel tells the story of the uprising of Cochabamba between 1810 and 1812, at the beginning of the War of Independence[1†][2†]. Its narrator and protagonist is a twelve-year-old boy who participates in the events leading to the emergence of nationalism in the future Republic of Bolivia[1†][2†].

In this novel, Aguirre endorses the main ideas of liberalism and tries to blend them with the vital force of the mestizo (mixed-blooded) population, which is portrayed as the protagonist of these early battles[1†][2†]. Menéndez y Pelayo considers his novel “Juan de la Rosa” the best 19th-century novel in Spanish America[1†].

First Publication of His Main Works

Nataniel Aguirre’s literary contributions are significant and diverse, encompassing plays, short stories, historical books, and political treatises[1†][2†]. However, his most notable work is the historical novel “Juan de la Rosa: Memorias del último soldado de la Independencia” (1885)[1†][2†]. This novel is considered the national novel of Bolivia and is highly regarded in Spanish American literature[1†][2†].

“Juan de la Rosa” tells the story of the uprising of Cochabamba between 1810 and 1812, at the beginning of the War of Independence[1†][2†]. The novel’s narrator and protagonist is a twelve-year-old boy who participates in the events leading to the emergence of nationalism in the future Republic of Bolivia[1†][2†]. In this work, Aguirre endorses the main ideas of liberalism and attempts to blend them with the vital force of the mestizo (mixed-blooded) population, which is portrayed as the protagonist of these early battles[1†][2†].

In addition to “Juan de la Rosa,” Aguirre wrote several plays. His play “Visionarios y mártires” (1864) is about the Peruvian patriots Manuel Ubalde and Gabriel Aguilar[1†]. Another play, “Represalia de un héroe” (1868), is based on an event in the independence movement in Mexico that occurred in Oaxaca in 1812[1†].

Here is a list of some of his main works:

• “Juan de la Rosa: Memorias del último soldado de la Independencia” (1885)[1†][2†]
• “Visionarios y mártires” (1864)[1†]
• “Represalia de un héroe” (1868)[1†]

Each of these works has made a significant contribution to Bolivian and Spanish American literature[1†][2†].

Analysis and Evaluation

Nataniel Aguirre’s work, particularly his novel “Juan de la Rosa,” has been widely recognized for its literary merit and historical significance[1†][2†]. The novel is considered the best 19th-century novel in Spanish America by Menéndez y Pelayo[1†][2†]. It is also regarded as the national novel of Bolivia[1†][2†].

“Juan de la Rosa” is a unique blend of historical narrative and fictional storytelling. The novel’s protagonist, a twelve-year-old boy, provides a fresh perspective on the events leading to the emergence of nationalism in the future Republic of Bolivia[1†][2†]. Aguirre’s portrayal of the mestizo (mixed-blooded) population as the protagonist of these early battles is a significant departure from traditional narratives[1†][2†].

Aguirre’s work reflects his liberal ideas and his belief in federalism[1†][2†]. His writings, both in the form of novels and political treatises, have contributed to the intellectual and political discourse in Bolivia[1†][2†].

Despite his significant contributions to literature and politics, Aguirre’s work is not without its critics. Some argue that his portrayal of the mestizo population and his endorsement of liberal ideas may oversimplify the complex social and political dynamics of the time[1†][2†].

Nevertheless, Aguirre’s work continues to be studied and appreciated for its literary merit and historical significance[1†][2†]. His novel “Juan de la Rosa” remains a classic in Spanish American literature and an important resource for understanding the history and culture of Bolivia[1†][2†].

Personal Life

Nataniel Aguirre was born in the Hacienda de Huayllani, in the department of Cochabamba, the fourth of five children[1†]. He was the son of the financier and Bolivian politician Miguel María de Aguirre and María Manuela González de Prada, who died when he was only three years old[1†].

Aguirre had a deep affection for Margarita de Achá, daughter of the president José María de Achá[1†]. He dedicated a poem to her and married her on March 30, 1864, after graduating from law school[1†]. They had nine children, one of whom, José, also became a writer and politician[1†].

Aguirre’s personal life was deeply intertwined with his professional life. His family connections introduced him to intellectual and political circles in Peru[1†]. His wife’s family was involved in politics, which likely influenced his own political career[1†].

Despite his busy professional life, Aguirre was a devoted family man. His love for his wife and children is evident in his writings[1†]. His personal life, however, was not without tragedy. The early death of his mother and the challenges of raising a large family in a time of political unrest undoubtedly shaped his worldview[1†].

Conclusion and Legacy

Nataniel Aguirre’s legacy is multifaceted, reflecting his diverse contributions to Bolivian society as a lawyer, diplomat, politician, writer, and historian[1†][2†]. His political career was marked by his firm belief in liberal ideas and his staunch defense of federalism[1†][2†]. He played a significant role during the War of the Pacific (1879), a critical period in Bolivian history[1†][2†].

However, Aguirre’s most enduring legacy lies in his literary work. His novel, Juan de la Rosa: Memorias del último soldado de la Independencia (1885), is considered the national novel of Bolivia[1†][2†]. This novel, which tells the story of the uprising of Cochabamba between 1810 and 1812 at the beginning of the War of Independence, is seen as a symbolic articulation of the nation[1†][2†]. Through the eyes of a twelve-year-old boy who participates in the events leading to the emergence of nationalism in the future Republic of Bolivia, Aguirre endorses the main ideas of liberalism and tries to blend them with the vital force of the mestizo population[1†][2†].

Menéndez y Pelayo, a renowned Spanish scholar, considers Juan de la Rosa the best 19th-century novel in Spanish America[1†]. This recognition underscores the impact of Aguirre’s work beyond Bolivia’s borders[1†].

Aguirre’s life and work continue to be studied and celebrated today. His contributions to Bolivian literature and politics have left a lasting impact on the country’s history and culture[1†][2†].

Key Information

• Also Known As: Nataniel Aguirre González[1†]
• Born: October 10, 1843, Cochabamba, Bolivia[1†]
• Died: September 11, 1888, Montevideo, Uruguay[1†]
• Nationality: Bolivian[1†]
• Occupation: Lawyer, Diplomat, Politician, Writer, Historian[1†]
• Notable Works: "Juan de la Rosa"[1†]
• Notable Achievements: Aguirre was an influential political figure during the period of the War of the Pacific (1879). He was a firm believer in liberal ideas and a staunch defender of federalism[1†][2†]. His novel, “Juan de la Rosa,” is considered by Menéndez y Pelayo as the best 19th-century novel in Spanish America[1†].

References and Citations:

1. Wikipedia (English) - Nataniel Aguirre [website] - link
2. Encyclopedia.com - Aguirre, Nataniel (1843–1888) [website] - link
3. Wikipedia (Spanish) - Nataniel Aguirre [website] - link