Aquileo Parra facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Aquileo Parra
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| 11th President of the United States of Colombia | |
| In office April 1, 1876 – April 1, 1878 |
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| Preceded by | Santiago Pérez de Manosalbas |
| Succeeded by | Julián Trujillo Largacha |
| 27th President of the Sovereign State of Santander | |
| In office May 16, 1875 – May 25, 1876 |
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| Preceded by | Germán Vargas Santos |
| Succeeded by | Marco Antonio Estrada |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
José Bonifacio Aquileo Elias Parra Gómez
May 12, 1825 Barichara, Santander, Colombia |
| Died | December 4, 1900 (aged 75) Pacho, Cundinamarca, Colombia |
| Political party | Liberal |
| Occupation | Businessman, soldier, politician |
Aquileo Parra was an important Colombian leader. He was a soldier, a businessman, and a politician. He served as the President of Colombia from 1876 to 1878.
Contents
Who Was Aquileo Parra?
Aquileo Parra was born in Barichara, Santander, Colombia. His birthday was May 12, 1825. He passed away in Pacho, Cundinamarca, on December 4, 1900.
Early Life and Learning
Aquileo Parra started school in his hometown. However, he had to leave school early. His family faced money problems, so he needed to work.
He began by making and selling hats. He traveled along the Magdalena River for his business. He visited many important ports like Magangué and Mompós.
Parra saved enough money to change his career. He became interested in politics. Even without formal schooling, he loved to learn. He spent all his free time studying. This made him a very educated person, learning on his own.
Starting in Politics
Parra began his political journey in the state of Santander. He first served as a state senator. Later, in 1875, he was chosen as the president of Santander state.
He also became a Member of Parliament. He attended Congress for several terms. Parra was also picked as a delegate for the Constitutional Assembly of Rionegro. This was an important meeting to create new laws.
He also worked as the Minister of the Treasury. He held this job for President Manuel Murillo Toro. Later, President Santiago Pérez de Manosalbas also chose him for the same role.
Parra's Military Service
Aquileo Parra was also a soldier. He fought in civil wars in Colombia. These wars were against presidents like José María Melo and Mariano Ospina Rodríguez. He also fought against the Granadine Confederation in 1861.
Becoming President
Aquileo Parra was elected President of Colombia by the Congress. In the 1876 presidential election, no candidate won enough votes directly. So, Congress had to decide.
Parra received 48 votes from Congress members. Rafael Núñez and Bartolomé Calvo each got 18 votes. This made Aquileo Parra the first and only president from Santander.
Challenges as President
Parra became President of Colombia on April 1, 1876. Just three months later, he faced a big challenge. A very bloody civil war started during his presidency. It was one of the worst wars of the 1800s.
The Liberal Party, Parra's party, was split. One group was called the "Radicals," who supported Parra. The other group was the "Independents," who supported Rafael Núñez. The Conservative Party, which was united, started a military attack. This attack began in the states of Antioquia and Cauca.
See also
In Spanish: Aquileo Parra para niños
