Bernardino Caballero facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bernardino Caballero
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| 9th President of Paraguay | |
| In office 4 September 1880 – 25 November 1886 |
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| Vice President | Juan Antonio Jara |
| Preceded by | Cándido Bareiro |
| Succeeded by | Patricio Escobar |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 20 May 1839 Ybycuí, Paraguay |
| Died | 26 February 1912 (aged 72) Asunción, Paraguay |
| Political party | Colorado Party |
| Known for | Founding the Colorado Party |
Juan Bernardino Caballero de Añasco y Melgarejo (born May 20, 1839 – died February 26, 1912) was an important leader in Paraguay. He was a brave soldier in the Paraguayan War. Later, he became the President of Paraguay from 1880 to 1886. He also started the Colorado Party, which is a major political group in Paraguay. Bernardino Caballero was a very influential person in his country for many years after the war.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Bernardino Caballero was born in Ybycuí, a town in Paraguay. His family had a long history, with roots in Spanish nobility. His parents were Jose Ramón Caballero de Anazco and Melchora Inés Melgarejo y Genés.
He was married twice. His first wife was María de la Concepción Díaz de Bedoya, and they had two children. His second wife was Julia Álvarez.
Joining the Army
In 1864, Bernardino Caballero joined the Paraguayan Army. He fought in the Paraguayan War, a very big conflict in South America. He took part in the Mato Grosso Campaign.
He became a trusted helper to President Francisco Solano López. Caballero stayed loyal to the president and moved up in the army ranks. He became a skilled leader, especially in cavalry battles. He was known for leading important actions from the back lines of the army.
Caballero was considered a great war hero. He was captured by Brazilian forces in 1870, but was released in 1871. During his time as a prisoner, he became friendly with some Brazilians. This helped him later in his political career, as he gained their support.
Becoming a Political Leader
After the war, Caballero returned to Asunción, the capital city. He quickly became involved in politics. He joined a group that supported the former President López.
He helped lead several revolts in 1873 and 1874 against another powerful politician, Benigno Ferreira. These actions helped him gain more influence. Because of his growing power, Caballero was made the Minister of Interior. This happened when Salvador Jovellanos was president.
Later, in 1874, he became the Minister of Justice, Worship, and Education. This was under the new President Juan Bautista Gill. He also traveled to London to help sort out some financial loans for Paraguay.
After President Juan Bautista Gill died in 1877, Caballero helped his friend Cándido Bareiro become the next president.
How He Became President
On September 4, 1880, President Cándido Bareiro passed away. His Vice President, Adolfo Saguier, was then arrested. The Senate of Paraguay quickly met and chose Bernardino Caballero to be the new president. This is how Caballero, who had led many important actions and revolts, came to power.
What He Did as President
During his time as president, Bernardino Caballero made several important changes:
- He created the Civil Register, which keeps official records of births, marriages, and deaths.
- The city of Villa Florida was founded.
- He started the General Department of Immigration. This department helped people move to Paraguay.
- In 1881, two banks were created: the Banco Nacional and a private bank called Banco del Paraguay.
- During his presidency, a lot of land that belonged to the state or the former ruling family was sold. This helped the government raise money.
Life After the Presidency
Bernardino Caballero made sure that his close friend, Patricio Escobar, won the presidential election in 1886. In response, his political opponents formed the Liberal Party. Just two months later, Caballero officially founded the ruling Colorado Party.
From 1887 to 1904, as a former president, he was also a member of the Senate of Paraguay. He even served as the president of the Senate in 1894 and 1902.
Caballero remained very powerful. He stayed in charge of the army and the Colorado Party. The presidents who followed him were often his chosen candidates. He helped organize another change in leadership in 1902, putting Juan Antonio Escurra in power. However, after Escurra was removed, the Liberal Party took control.
Bernardino Caballero is remembered as one of Paraguay's most important political leaders. He is buried in the National Pantheon of the Heroes, a special place for national heroes. A town in Paraguay, General Bernardino Caballero, is named after him.
See also
In Spanish: Bernardino Caballero para niños
