Cleto González Víquez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cleto González Víquez
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| 18th President of Costa Rica | |
| In office May 8, 1906 – May 8, 1910 |
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| Preceded by | Ascensión Esquivel |
| Succeeded by | Ricardo Jiménez (first term) |
| 26th President of Costa Rica | |
| In office May 8, 1928 – May 8, 1932 |
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| Preceded by | Ricardo Jiménez (second term) |
| Succeeded by | Ricardo Jiménez (third term) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 13, 1858 Barva, Heredia, Costa Rica |
| Died | September 23, 1937 (aged 78) San José, Costa Rica |
| Political party | National Union Party |
| Spouse | Adela Herrán Bonilla |
| Children | Odilie, Guillermo, Enrique, Emilia, Fernando, Clemencia, Manuel Antonio, and Adela González Herrán |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Profession | Lawyer, Historian |
| Signature |  |
Cleto de Jesús González Víquez (born October 13, 1858 – died September 23, 1937) was an important leader in Costa Rica. He served as the President of Costa Rica two times. His first term was from 1906 to 1910, and his second was from 1928 to 1932.
Cleto González Víquez was born in Barva, Heredia. His parents were Cleto González Pérez and Aurora Víquez Murillo. He grew up to be a well-known Costa Rican politician, lawyer, and historian. He married Adela Herrán Bonilla in 1889. He passed away in San José, Costa Rica in 1937. Because of his great contributions, he was given the special title of Benemérito de la Patria (meaning "Meritorious Citizen of the Homeland") in 1944.
Contents
Cleto González Víquez: A Leader of Costa Rica
Early Life and Career
Cleto González Víquez, often called Don Cleto, started his work in public service when he was young. He held many important jobs before becoming president. He was a mayor in San José, the capital city. He also served as a Secretary of State for President Bernardo Soto Alfaro. These roles helped him gain experience in how the government works.
He also led the College of Lawyers, which is an organization for legal professionals. He was also in charge of the Junta de Caridad de San José, which is now known as the Junta de Protección Social. This group helps people in need.
Becoming President
From 1890 to 1902, Cleto González Víquez was part of the political group that opposed the government. This means he worked to challenge the ruling party. In 1905, he was chosen by the people to be the President of the Republic of Costa Rica for the first time. He was very skilled at leading, especially since his party did not have the most votes in Congress. He had to work carefully with other political groups.
He served his second term as president from 1928 to 1932. During this time, the world was facing a very difficult economic period called the Great Depression. President González Víquez used special economic ideas to help Costa Rica. He increased government spending and started many public projects. This helped to create jobs and keep the country's economy strong during tough times.
Key Achievements as President
Cleto González Víquez achieved many important things during his time as president. He worked to improve the country's infrastructure and social services.
First Term (1906-1910)
During his first term, President González Víquez focused on big projects.
- He finished building the railroad that connected the Central Valley to the Pacific coast in 1910. This was a huge step for trade and travel.
- He created the first official Law of Railroads. This law helped organize how trains and railways would operate.
- He made the water pipe system in San José bigger and better. This improved access to clean water for many people.
- He oversaw the construction of the old building for the National Library. This was important for education and culture.
- He made local city services stronger. This helped towns and cities run more smoothly.
Second Term (1928-1932)
In his second term, President González Víquez continued to push for progress.
- He created new government offices in 1928 to focus on labor and social welfare. He also pushed for a new set of laws about work.
- He encouraged the creation of offices for agriculture and livestock. This helped farmers and ranchers.
- He started the National Service of Electricity in 1928. This brought power to more areas.
- He established the attorney general's office for the Republic. This office helps with legal matters for the government.
- He founded the National Patronage of the Infancy. This organization was created to help and protect children.
- He founded the First National Business of Air Transportations in 1932. This was a big step for travel by air in Costa Rica.
- He officially opened the dock in Puntarenas in 1928. This was important for ships and trade.
- He had the streets of San José paved. This made travel easier and cleaner in the capital.
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President Cleto González Víquez returning after a flight over San José, Costa Rica by the 25th Bombardment Squadron in 1928.
See also
In Spanish: Cleto González Víquez para niños
