Dionisio de Herrera facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dionisio de Herrera
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| Head of State of Honduras | |
| In office 1824–1827 |
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| Preceded by | First Head of State |
| Succeeded by | Justo Milla |
| Head of State of Nicaragua | |
| In office 1830–1833 |
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| Preceded by | Juan Espinoza |
| Succeeded by | Benito Morales |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 9 October 1781 Choluteca, Honduras |
| Died | 13 June 1850 (aged 68) San Vicente, El Salvador |
| Political party | Liberal Party |
| Occupation | Lawyer, Statesman |
| Signature |  |
José Dionisio de la Trinidad de Herrera y Díaz del Valle (born October 9, 1781, in Choluteca, Honduras – died June 13, 1850, in San Vicente, El Salvador) was an important Honduran politician. He was a leader for both Honduras and Nicaragua during a time when they were part of the Federal Republic of Central America. He was the first Head of State of Honduras from 1824 to 1827, and later the Head of State of Nicaragua from 1830 to 1833. Dionisio de Herrera was also the uncle of another famous Central American leader, Francisco Morazán.
Early Life and Education
Dionisio de Herrera came from a family that owned land. He went to the University of San Carlos in Guatemala. There, he studied law and learned about new ideas from the French Revolution. These ideas were all about freedom and fairness for people. He also helped teach his nephew, Francisco Morazán, who would later become a great general.
Becoming a Leader in Honduras
In 1820, Dionisio de Herrera started his first public job as a secretary for the city government of Tegucigalpa. After Central America became independent from Spain and Mexico, he made history. On September 16, 1824, he became the very first Head of State of Honduras. His vice-leader was Colonel José Justo Milla.
During his time as leader, Herrera made some big changes. He divided Honduras into its first official areas, called departments. These new departments included Comayagua, Tegucigalpa, Santa Bárbara, Yoro, Olancho, and Choluteca. He also helped create the country's first constitution, which is like a rulebook for the government. This important document was put into action on December 11, 1825.
Overthrow and Later Years
Dionisio de Herrera's government was taken over by force on May 10, 1827. This event, called a coup d'état, was led by Colonel Milla and supported by other Honduran leaders who disagreed with Herrera. Herrera was then sent away as a prisoner to Guatemala, where he stayed until 1829.
After his release, he was chosen to be the Head of State of Nicaragua. He started this new role on May 12, 1830, and served until November 1833. He had the support of his nephew, General Morazán. Herrera tried to bring in new ideas and changes, but he faced challenges from religious leaders who did not agree with him. In 1835, he was offered the chance to be the Head of State of El Salvador, but he decided not to take the job.
In 1838, Dionisio de Herrera decided to leave politics. He became a teacher in the city of San Vicente, El Salvador. He lived there until he passed away in 1850.
