Guillermo León Valencia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Guillermo León Valencia
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| 21st President of Colombia | |
| In office 7 August 1962 – 7 August 1966 |
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| Preceded by | Alberto Lleras Camargo |
| Succeeded by | Carlos Lleras Restrepo |
| Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia | |
| In office 25 May 1953 – 13 June 1953 |
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| President | Roberto Urdaneta Arbeláeza |
| Preceded by | Evaristo Sourdis Juliao |
| Succeeded by | Juan Uribe Holguín |
| Colombia Ambassador to Spain | |
| In office 1950–1953 |
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| President | Laureano Gómez Castro |
| Preceded by | Francisco Umaña Bernal |
| Succeeded by | Alejandro Galvis Galvis |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Guillermo León Valencia Muñoz
27 April 1909 Popayán, Cauca, Colombia |
| Died | 4 November 1971 (aged 62) New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Resting place | Museo Guillermo León Valencia |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Spouse | Susana López Navia (1931–1964) |
| Children |
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Guillermo León Valencia Muñoz (born April 27, 1909 – died November 4, 1971) was an important Colombian politician. He was also a lawyer and a diplomat. He served as the 21st President of Colombia from 1962 to 1966.
Contents
Guillermo León Valencia: A Colombian President
Early Life and Family
Guillermo León Valencia was born in Popayán, Cauca, Colombia. His birthday was April 27, 1909. His father was Guillermo Valencia, a famous Colombian poet and politician. His mother was Josefina Muñoz.
He went to high school at the Colegio Champagnat in Bogotá. He finished school in December 1946. On January 31, 1931, he married Susana López Navia. She was 20 years old at the time. They had four children together: Pedro Felipe, Alma, Ignacio, and Diana.
Journey into Politics
Guillermo León Valencia started his political journey in his hometown. He was first elected to the city council of Popayán. Then, he became a member of the Assembly of Cauca. Later, he also served on the City Council of Bogotá.
He also worked as a diplomat for Colombia. He represented his country at the United Nations. President Laureano Gómez Castro appointed him as Colombia's Ambassador to Spain. In 1949, he was offered the job of Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs. He did not accept it then. However, four years later, in 1953, he became the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He held this important job until General Rojas Pinilla took over the government.
After a military government took power, there was a plan for Colombia to return to democracy. This plan said that the next president had to be from the Colombian Liberal Party. Because of this, Valencia, who was from the Conservative Party, had to wait for the next election.
Becoming President
In 1962, the Colombian Conservative Party chose Guillermo León Valencia as their candidate for president. He ran against Alfonso López Michelsen, who was the liberal candidate. Valencia won the election with many votes. He received 1,636,081 votes, while his opponent got 625,630 votes. This made him the 21st President of Colombia.
What He Did as President
As president, Guillermo León Valencia wanted to make big changes. He focused on improving Colombia's economy and helping its people.
For the economy, he created the Junta Monetaria. This was like a central bank that managed money. He also made sure that Colombia produced twice as much electric power. He encouraged more oil drilling and the export of crude oil.
For social improvements, his government spent 20% more money on education. This helped more children go to school. Also, with help from the United States, his government started building Ciudad Kennedy. This was a huge project to build 200,000 affordable homes. These homes were for families who did not earn much money.
See also
In Spanish: Guillermo León Valencia para niños
