Eduardo Schaerer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eduardo Schaerer
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|---|---|
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| 25th President of Paraguay | |
| In office 15 August 1912 – 15 August 1916 |
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| Vice President | Pedro Bobadilla |
| Preceded by | Emiliano González Navero |
| Succeeded by | Manuel Franco |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 2 December 1873 Caazapá, Caazapá Department, Paraguay |
| Died | 12 November 1941 (aged 67) Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Nationality |
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| Political party | Liberal Party |
| Spouse |
Maria Mathilda Heisecke
(m. 1895) |
| Children | 7, including Arturo |
Eduardo Schaerer Vera y Aragón (born December 2, 1873 – died November 12, 1941) was an important leader in Paraguay. He was a businessman, newspaper publisher, and politician. He became the 25th President of Paraguay and served from 1912 to 1916.
Before becoming president, he was the mayor of Asunción, the capital city, from 1908 to 1911. He also worked as the Minister of the Interior for a short time in 1912. After his time as president, he continued to serve his country. He was a member of the Senate of Paraguay from 1921 to 1940. He even led the Senate as its President in 1919-1920. In 1925, Schaerer started a newspaper called La Tribuna. It became one of the most important daily newspapers in Paraguay.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Eduardo Schaerer was born on December 2, 1873, in Caazapá, Paraguay. His father, Santiago Schaerer, came from Switzerland. His mother was Elizabeth Vera y Aragón. Eduardo had dual citizenship, meaning he was a citizen of both Switzerland and Paraguay.
He went to elementary school in his hometown. Later, he moved to Asunción and finished his studies at the Colegio Nacional de la Capital.
What Did Eduardo Schaerer Do?
From a young age, Eduardo Schaerer was very active. He was involved in business, politics, and journalism. He helped start a newspaper called El Diario. Later, in 1925, he founded La Tribuna. This newspaper became one of the most important in Paraguay's history.
Becoming President of Paraguay
Many people believed Eduardo Schaerer was the right person to lead Paraguay during a challenging time. He became president on August 15, 1912. His term lasted until August 15, 1916.
During his presidency, he worked with a team of important ministers. These included Eusebio Ayala and Manuel Gondra. Schaerer was the first civilian president in Paraguay to complete his full term without any military uprisings. This was a big achievement for the country.
Key Achievements as President
Eduardo Schaerer's government brought a period of stability and economic growth to Paraguay. This lasted for almost ten years. He played a very important role in making the country's government stronger. He also helped develop civilian leadership in Paraguay. Many remember him as one of the great builders of the Paraguayan nation.
Improving Infrastructure
During his time as president, many improvements were made to the country's infrastructure:
- The first electric lighting system in Paraguay began operating.
- The first telephone system and electric tram also started working.
- When he began his term, Paraguay had about 180 km of railways. By the end, this had grown to nearly 700 km!
- Railroads reached cities like Encarnación. This connected Paraguay with Argentina, making it easier to send products to the Atlantic Ocean.
- Plans were made for a railway network in the Concepción Department. This would connect Paraguay with Brazil.
- A study was presented in 1915 for a hydroelectric project at Saltos del Guaira. This was an early idea for what would later become the huge Itaipu Dam.
Urban Development
In the capital city of Asunción, many public works projects were started:
- Public parks were improved.
- Streets were paved.
- The old central market was moved to a new location.
- The former House of Governors was taken down to create a new public space called Centennial Walk.
Education and Culture
Education was also a focus during Schaerer's presidency:
- Learning English was added to the high school curriculum.
- The first rural normal schools (schools for training teachers) were created in several historic towns.
- He was the first Paraguayan president since Carlos Antonio López to send students to study abroad. More than 200 Paraguayans received scholarships to attend universities in Europe and the United States. Among them were future important figures like Silvio Pettirossi and Tomas Romero Pereira.
- The Military Academy was created on June 23, 1915. This was very important for training military leaders who would later defend the Chaco region.
- Famous poets and artists, including Rubén Darío and Eloy Fariña Núñez, received appointments during his time.
Important Laws and Visitors
Many important laws were passed starting in 1913. These included:
- Permission to create a public post office in San Lorenzo Ñu Guazú.
- A law to buy materials for the Museum of Natural History.
- A law to continue rebuilding the Oratory (Pantheon of the Heroes).
In 1913, former American President Theodore Roosevelt visited Paraguay during Schaerer's term.
Personal Life
On September 14, 1895, Eduardo Schaerer married Maria Matilde Heisecke Eguzquiza. Her father was a German diplomat. They had seven children together. One of their children, Arturo Oscar Schaerer Heisecke, later became the director of the newspaper La Tribuna, just like his father.
Eduardo Schaerer died on November 12, 1941, while living in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
See also
In Spanish: Eduardo Schaerer para niños
