Santiago de Liniers

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Jacques de Liniers (1753-1810) was a French officer within the Spanish military service, and a viceroy of the Spanish colonies of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata. He is more widely by the Spanish form of his name, Santiago de Liniers.

Following a military and naval career in Europe, he was transferred there in 1788 as a Spanish naval officer. In 1806, Liniers was successful in recapturing Buenos Aires from British invading forces led by William Carr Beresford. Afterwards he was named commander-in-chief, as well as lieutenant of the viceroy. When a second invasion occurred in 1807, Liniers formed a junta along with Manuel Belgrano, invoked martial law, and finally deposed the viceroy on February 10, 1807.

Although the creole army outside Buenos Aires was defeated, the defense of the city against a siege was successful, and the British general, John Whitelocke surrendered on July 5, 1807.

Liniers was officially appointed as viceroy in May 1808; he served until August 1809 despite several attempts at his removal by his political enemies. In 1810, he was involved in a counterrevolutionary plot against the First Junta of the May Revolution. After leading an uprising in Córdoba, Mariano Moreno ordered his execution on grounds of treason.