Alfonso López Pumarejo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alfonso López Pumarejo
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| 16th President of Colombia | |
| In office 7 August 1942 – 7 August 1946 |
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| Preceded by | Eduardo Santos Montejo |
| Succeeded by | Mariano Ospina Pérez |
| 14th President of Colombia | |
| In office 7 August 1934 – 7 August 1938 |
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| Preceded by | Enrique Olaya Herrera |
| Succeeded by | Eduardo Santos Montejo |
| 7th Colombia Ambassador to the United Kingdom | |
| In office 5 June 1959 – 20 November 1959 |
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| President | Alberto Lleras Camargo |
| Preceded by | Carlos Alberto Sardi Garcés |
| Succeeded by | Virgilio Barco Vargas |
| 1st Colombia Ambassador to United Nations | |
| In office 1946–1948 |
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| President | Mariano Ospina Pérez |
| Preceded by | Office created |
| Succeeded by | Roberto Urdaneta Arbeláez |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 31, 1886 Honda, Tolima, United States of Colombia |
| Died | November 20, 1959 (aged 73) London, England, United Kingdom |
| Political party | Liberal |
| Spouses |
María Michelsen Lombana
(m. 1911; Olga Dávila Alzamora
(m. 1953; |
| Children |
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| Alma mater | London School of Economics |
| Occupation | Economist, journalist, diplomat, politician |
Alfonso López Pumarejo (born January 31, 1886 – died November 20, 1959) was an important politician from Colombia. He served as the President of Colombia two times. He was a member of the Colombian Liberal Party. His first term as president was from 1934 to 1938. His second term was from 1942 to 1945.
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Who Was Alfonso López Pumarejo?
Alfonso López Pumarejo was born in Honda, a town in Colombia. His father, Pedro Aquilino López Medina, was a businessman. Alfonso studied at the London School of Economics in England. Later in his life, his son, Alfonso López Michelsen, also became president of Colombia from 1974 to 1978.
First Time as President (1934-1938)
Alfonso López Pumarejo was elected president in 1934. He ran almost without anyone opposing him. His first government was known for its big plans. He called his program "Revolución en Marcha," which means "Marching Revolution." This program aimed to bring many social and political changes to Colombia.
During this time, his government supported the creation of groups for workers, called labour unions. They also passed a law in 1936 that allowed the government to take private land for public use. This was done to help society as a whole.
These actions made many farmers and workers support López Pumarejo. Even the Colombian Communist Party supported him. However, some of his political friends disagreed with these changes. They wanted him to be more careful. After his first term, Eduardo Santos Montejo was elected president in 1938.
Second Time as President (1942-1945)
Alfonso López Pumarejo was elected president again in 1942. His second term was more challenging. He faced strong opposition in the Colombian Congress. Even members of his own Colombian Liberal Party disagreed with him. This made it difficult to continue the big changes he had started before.
In July 1943, Colombia joined the Allies and declared war against the Axis powers during World War II. López Pumarejo strongly supported this decision. He also said that Colombia should remember that the United States would always put its own interests first. This meant that Colombia's interests might not always be the same as those of the United States.
During his second term, López Pumarejo had to travel to the United States to care for his sick wife. While he was away, Darío Echandía became the acting president from November 1943 to May 1944. This break also slowed down his plans for more reforms.
After he returned to Colombia, there were more political problems. He faced a difficult political challenge in 1944. Because of these challenges, López Pumarejo decided to resign from his position in early 1945.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1946, Alfonso López Pumarejo led the Colombian group to the United Nations. This was an important role on the world stage.
He passed away on November 20, 1959, in London, England. At that time, he was serving as Colombia's ambassador to the United Kingdom. He lived in London at 33 Wilton Crescent with his second wife, Olga Dávila Alzamora. They had married in 1953. His body was taken by a horse-drawn carriage to Westminster Cathedral for his funeral.
Images for kids
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The building at 33 Wilton Crescent in London where Alfonso López Pumarejo lived.
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A blue plaque on the building at 33 Wilton Crescent, marking its historical importance.
See also
In Spanish: Alfonso López Pumarejo para niños
