Martín de Álzaga

Martín de Álzaga was a wealthy Spanish merchant and politician during the British invasion of the Rio de la Plata.

Born in the Valley of Aramayona, Alava, Spain, Martin arrived at Buenos Aires as a poor eleven years old boy and entered the service of the great merchant Gaspar de Santa Coloma. A decade later, he established himself as a prosperous slave trader engaged as well in trade of firearms and textiles.

De Álzaga enjoyed the great prestige in the society as a politician and member of the Buenos Aires cabildo or municipal council. As one of the founding members, he was involved in the establishment of the Consulado de Comercio de Buenos Aires in 1794. Alzaga was an ardent supporter of monopolistic trade with Spain and fiercely opposed any trade with foreigners.

Known as the wealthiest man of his time, he didn’t hesitate to employ his fortune and skills to fight against the British invaders in 1806-1807. Because of his plans to overthrow the First Triumvirate, the executive body of government formed in 1811 he was arrested as conspirator along with his associates, and executed in 1812 in Buenos Aires.