Fruto Chamorro facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
José Fruto Chamorro Pérez
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| 1st President of Nicaragua | |
| In office 30 April 1854 – 12 March 1855 |
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| Preceded by | Office Established (Himself as Supreme Director) |
| Succeeded by | José María Estrada (Acting) |
| Supreme Director of Nicaragua | |
| In office 1 April 1853 – 30 April 1854 |
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| Preceded by | Laureano Pineda |
| Succeeded by | Office Abolished (Himself as President) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
José Fruto Chamorro Pérez
20 October 1804 Guatemala City, Captaincy General of Guatemala, New Spain |
| Died | 12 March 1855 (aged 50) Outside Granada, Nicaragua |
| Cause of death | Dysentery |
| Resting place | Granada Cemetery |
| Nationality | Nicaragua |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Spouse | Mercedes Avilés |
| Residence | Granada |
| Occupation | Politician, Military Scientist |
José Fruto Chamorro Pérez (born October 20, 1804 – died March 12, 1855) was an important Nicaraguan politician. He served as the 10th Supreme Director of Nicaragua and later became the country's very first President. He played a big part in Nicaragua's early history.
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Early Life and Family
Fruto Chamorro was born in Guatemala City in 1804. His father, Pedro José Chamorro Argüello, was from Nicaragua. Fruto grew up and went to school in Guatemala.
When his father passed away in 1824, Fruto had to stop his studies. He moved to Nicaragua to take care of his family and manage their property. He became the guardian for his younger half-brothers and sisters. After his father's death, his stepmother asked him to use the name Fruto Chamorro Pérez.
Starting in Politics
Fruto's father helped start the Conservative Party in Nicaragua. This party was mainly based in the city of Granada. Fruto followed in his father's footsteps and became an active member of the Conservative Party.
In 1836, he became a representative in the State Assembly. From 1839 to 1842, he served as a Senator for the State of Nicaragua.
Central American Confederation
In 1842, there was an effort to bring some Central American countries back together. This idea was called the "Pact of Chinandega" and aimed to create a new Central American Confederation. It was supposed to include El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
In 1843, Fruto Chamorro was chosen to lead the Confederation's main council. He moved to San Miguel, El Salvador, for this role. However, Guatemala decided to leave the group. Fruto helped prevent a war over this decision. The new Confederation soon fell apart in 1844.
Important Government Roles
After the Confederation failed, Fruto Chamorro continued his political career. In 1845, he was given several important jobs in Granada. He became the Prefect (a local administrator) and the Military Governor of the Granada area. He also served as the Minister of the Treasury, managing the country's money.
In November 1851, he was made the Commander-in-chief of the Army. This meant he was in charge of all the country's military forces.
Becoming Supreme Director and President
Fruto Chamorro became the Supreme Director of Nicaragua on April 1, 1853. Soon after, with support from the Conservative leaders, he moved the government's main offices to Granada. Granada was a strong base for the Conservative Party.
In January 1854, he called for a special meeting to write a new Constitution. Many representatives from the western part of the country, who were part of the Liberal Party, were not there. In March, Fruto Chamorro changed his title from Supreme Director to President of Nicaragua. The assembly agreed to this change.
Civil War and Final Years
The Liberal Party saw these changes as the Conservatives taking too much power. They believed it would hurt the country's progress. Because of this, the Liberals started a civil war. In May 1854, they set up their own government in León. They also received help from the governments of Honduras and El Salvador.
A Liberal army, led by General Máximo Jerez, tried to attack Granada. President Chamorro took charge of the army's defense in Granada. He left his deputy, José María Estrada, to handle the daily government tasks. Chamorro's defenses were strong, and the Liberal attacks failed to capture the city.
Sadly, Fruto Chamorro became sick with dysentery. He died at his farm outside Granada on March 12, 1855. A few months after his death, the city of Granada was taken by surprise by an American adventurer named William Walker.
Fruto Chamorro was married to Mercedes Avilés. They did not have any children.
See also
In Spanish: Fruto Chamorro Pérez para niños
