Cecilio Báez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cecilio Báez
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| 18th President of Paraguay | |
| In office December 8, 1905 – November 25, 1906 |
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| Preceded by | Juan Bautista Gaona |
| Succeeded by | Benigno Ferreira |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 1, 1862 Asunción, Paraguay |
| Died | June 18, 1941 (aged 79) Asunción, Paraguay |
| Political party | Liberal |
| Spouse | Marcelina Allende |
Cecilio Báez González was an important leader in Paraguay. He was born on January 1, 1862, and passed away on June 18, 1941. He served as the temporary President of Paraguay from December 1905 to November 1906. He belonged to the Liberal Party, a major political group in Paraguay.
Contents
Who Was Cecilio Báez?
His Early Life and Education
Cecilio Báez González was born in Asunción, the capital city of Paraguay, on February 1, 1862. His parents were Nicholas Báez and Faustina González. He had several brothers and sisters.
He married Marcelina Allende from Caazapa. They were married for 25 years and had 14 children together. Some of their children included Amadeo, Arminda, and Nicolas.
Cecilio Báez started his studies at the National College of the Capital in 1878. He later became one of the first three people to earn a law degree from the National University of Asunción. He received his diploma on July 15, 1893.
A Passion for Writing and Teaching
Cecilio Báez loved to write. He worked as a journalist and author. He also spent a lot of time teaching and was involved in politics.
He became the dean of the law school and taught history. He even served as the dean and rector (the head) of the National University.
Later, during the government of José Félix Estigarribia, he was named the Honorary Perpetual Rector of the National University. This was a special title given to him for his long and important work.
He received many awards from other countries. He was a member of important groups like the Society of Social Sciences in Philadelphia, USA, and the Academia de Historia in Havana, Cuba.
Cecilio Báez wrote many books and essays. These included works about freedom, government, and the history of Paraguay. He was known as the "Master of the Paraguayan Youth" because he inspired young people. He also built one of the biggest libraries in Paraguay. He died in Asunción on June 18, 1941, when he was 79 years old.
What Did He Do as President?
Leading the Country
Cecilio Báez became the temporary President of Paraguay on December 9, 1905. He took over after Juan Bautista Gaona was no longer president.
During his time as president, his team included:
- Jose Emilio Perez as Minister of Interior.
- Emiliano González Navero as Finance Minister.
- Cayetano A. Careers for Foreign Affairs.
- Benigno Ferreira as Minister of War and Navy.
Even though there was some political change, Paraguay's economy was doing very well during this time.
Changes and Progress
Many new things happened while Cecilio Báez was president:
- The first cars arrived in Paraguay.
- Important businesses and factories were started.
- Libraries belonging to Henry Solano Lopez and Blas Garay were bought for the country.
- A Military Hospital was built.
- Some streets were paved.
- Rules were made about land taxes.
- A group called the "Society of Friends Education" was approved.
In terms of money, the Bank of Paraguay was created. The Agricultural Bank also grew, and more money was put into circulation. The government's income reached over 24 million pesos. A plan was approved to start a steamship service between Areguá and San Bernardino.
Education and Culture
Education was also important during his presidency.
- There were 347 primary schools with about 30,000 students.
- The National University had 195 students and 37 teachers.
- The National College of the Capital had 633 students and 72 teachers.
- Law, Notary, Medicine, and Pharmacy were all taught at the university.
Many talented people worked with the government, including poets and the famous musician Agustin Barrios. There were also ten newspapers and four magazines being published.
The Grand Hotel del Paraguay was opened. Money was spent on the College of Agriculture. A plan was approved to build a tram line (a type of train) between Villarrica and Cerro Pelado.
Cecilio Báez had to leave the country for a short time in 1891 after a revolution, but he happily returned the next year.
His Long Political Journey
Joining the Liberal Party
Cecilio Báez helped create the Democratic Centre, which later became the Liberal Party, on July 10, 1887.
Besides being president, he held many other important jobs:
- He was a lawyer.
- He served as a Senator.
- He was President of the Superior Court of Justice.
- He was Minister of Foreign Affairs.
- He was a professor.
In 1937 and 1938, during the government of Félix Paiva, Cecilio Báez was one of the people who signed the Peace Treaty with Bolivia. This treaty officially ended the Chaco War.
Representing Paraguay Abroad
He served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Chancellor) for several presidents, including Juan Bautista Gaona in 1904, Benigno Ferreira in 1906, and Albino Jara in 1911.
He traveled to other countries to represent Paraguay. He led groups to Mexico in 1903 and to Great Britain and France in 1919. He was known for his speeches on International Law at meetings in Mexico, Chile, and Cuba. In Mexico in 1902, he strongly supported the idea of solving disagreements between countries through arbitration (a type of peaceful negotiation). He also led the International Commission of Jurists Congress in Montevideo in 1914.
See also
In Spanish: Cecilio Báez para niños
