Francisco Javier Zaldúa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Francisco Javier Zaldúa
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Altered photograph of Francisco Javier Zaldúa by John A. Bennet ca. 1850.
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| 14th President of the United States of Colombia | |
| In office April 1, 1882 – December 21, 1882 |
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| Preceded by | Rafael Núñez |
| Succeeded by | Clímaco Calderón |
| Secretary of Foreign Affairs | |
| In office April 3, 1878 – September 1878 |
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| President | Julián Trujillo Largacha |
| Preceded by | Eustorgio Salgar |
| President of the Rionegro Convention | |
| In office February 4, 1863 – May 8, 1863 |
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| Vice President | Eustorgio Salgar |
| Preceded by | Office created* |
| Succeeded by | Office abolished |
| Constituency | Cundinamarca |
| Secretary of Government | |
| In office April 1, 1849 – April 22, 1850 |
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| President | José Hilario López |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Francisco Javier Martínez de Zaldúa y Racines
December 3, 1811 Bogotá, Cundinamarca, United States of Colombia |
| Died | December 21, 1882 (aged 71) Bogotá, Cundinamarca, United States of Colombia |
| Cause of death | Myocardial infarction |
| Political party | Liberal |
| Spouse | Dolores Orbegozo y Mantilla |
| Alma mater | Colegio de San Bartolomé |
| Occupation | Judge, Prosecutor, Professor |
| Profession | Lawyer |
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Francisco Javier Zaldúa was a very important Colombian lawyer and politician. He became the President of Colombia in 1882. He is remembered as the first Colombian president to pass away while still in office.
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About Francisco Javier Zaldúa
Francisco Javier Zaldúa was born in Bogotá, which is in Cundinamarca, on December 3, 1811. He passed away in the same city, inside the Government Palace, on December 21, 1882.
His Early Life and Family
Zaldúa's father, Manuel Maria Zaldúa, was a very rich and respected person in Nueva Granada society. He gave a lot of his money to help Colombia become independent. He especially supported General Antonio Nariño.
A sad event happened when Zaldúa was young. The Spanish General Pablo Morillo entered Bogotá triumphantly. Zaldúa's family was watching the parade. His father was so upset by this that he had a heart attack and died right there.
Zaldúa studied law and theology at the "Colegio Mayor de San Bartolomé". He earned degrees in both Law and Divinity.
His Career as a Professional
From 1837 to 1866, Zaldúa worked as a professor. He taught Civil Law and Canonical Law. Later, he joined the judicial system, which is like the court system. He rose through the ranks and became a Justice of the Supreme Court.
While he was President of the Supreme Court, Zaldúa briefly became the acting President of the United States of Colombia for six days. This happened when President Tomás Cipriano de Mosquera temporarily gave up his power. Zaldúa held this role until a new group of ministers was chosen to lead the country.
His Political Journey
Zaldúa started his political career by being elected to the City Council of Bogotá. In 1840, he was elected to the House of Representatives. Later, he became a Senator. He represented his home state of Cundinamarca in both roles.
He also served as the Minister of Government. This was during the time when José Hilario López was president.
A very important role Zaldúa had was being the President of the Rionegro Convention. This was a special meeting where people created the United States of Colombia. Today, this country is known as the Republic of Colombia.
Becoming President
In 1881, it was time to choose a new president after Rafael Núñez. Zaldúa was known for being very wise and respected. José María Rojas Garrido suggested him as a candidate.
The Colombian Liberal Party had been divided for many years. But they all came together to support Zaldúa. He was 71 years old at the time. A former president, Aquileo Parra, visited Zaldúa to ask him to accept the nomination.
Zaldúa accepted, saying, "In the sunset of my life, I have nothing else to offer to the liberal party, but my last days. I hereby accept this nomination as my death sentence." The Conservative Party did not take part in the elections. So, Zaldúa won against another Liberal candidate, Solón Wilches. He officially became president on April 1, 1882.
See also
In Spanish: Francisco Javier Zaldúa para niños
