Isaías Medina Angarita facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Isaías Medina Angarita
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| President of Venezuela | |
| In office 5 May 1941 – 18 October 1945 |
|
| Preceded by | Eleazar López Contreras |
| Succeeded by | Rómulo Betancourt |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 6 July 1897 San Cristóbal, Venezuela |
| Died | 15 September 1953 (aged 56) Caracas, Venezuela |
| Political party | Venezuelan Democratic Party |
| Spouse | Irma Felizola |
Isaías Medina Angarita (born July 6, 1897 – died September 15, 1953) was an important Venezuelan military officer and political leader. He served as the President of Venezuela from 1941 to 1945. This was during World War II. He continued the work of the president before him, Eleazar López Contreras. Medina Angarita helped Venezuela move towards a more democratic government.
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
Isaías Medina Angarita was born in San Cristóbal, Venezuela. He studied at the Military academy of Venezuela and graduated in 1914. He quickly rose through the ranks in the military. Before becoming president, he served as the Minister of War from 1936 to 1941. This was under President López Contreras.
Becoming President
In 1941, Isaías Medina Angarita became the President of Venezuela. He aimed to make Venezuela a more open and modern country. His time as president was important for Venezuela's history.
Key Actions as President
- New Political Party: In 1943, he started the Venezuelan Democratic Party. This was a new political group.
- First Presidential Trips: Medina Angarita was the first Venezuelan president to travel abroad while in office.
- In 1943, he visited several South American countries. These included Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Panama.
- In January 1944, he visited the United States. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt invited him. This trip was a big deal for Venezuela and the US. It showed that Venezuela was allied with the countries fighting against the Axis powers in World War II.
- New International Friends: During his presidency, Venezuela started official relations with China in 1943. They also started relations with the Soviet Union in 1945.
Challenges and End of Presidency
Medina Angarita's government faced challenges. Some military members thought his ideas were too liberal. Others, his political opponents, felt he was too traditional. Both groups were unhappy for different reasons. This led to a military takeover, known as the 1945 Venezuelan coup d'état. He was removed from power on October 18, 1945.
Personal Life
Isaías Medina Angarita was married to Irma Felizola. She was the First Lady of Venezuela during his time as president, from 1941 to 1945. He passed away in Caracas at the age of 56.
Images for kids
-
Irma Felizola, the First Lady of Venezuela.
See also
In Spanish: Isaías Medina Angarita para niños
- Presidents of Venezuela
- List of Venezuelans
