Abascal, José Fernando de

Abascal, José Fernando de (hōsā` fĕrnän`dō dā äbäskäl`), 1743–1827, Spanish viceroy of Peru (1806–16). During the South American revolt against the colonial rule of Spain, he skillfully reconciled the Spanish officials and the creole colonials of Peru. He promoted educational reforms, abolished the Inquisition, reorganized the army, stamped out local rebellions, and opposed the revolutionists of Buenos Aires and Chile.