Joaquín Prieto facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joaquín Prieto Vial
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| 3rd President of Chile | |
| In office 18 September 1831 – 18 September 1841 |
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| Vice President | Diego Portales (1831-1833) |
| Preceded by | Fernando Errázuriz Aldunate |
| Succeeded by | Manuel Bulnes Prieto |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 20 August 1786 Concepción, Chile |
| Died | 22 November 1854 (aged 68) Santiago, Chile |
| Political party | Pelucones (1823-1836) Conservative Party (1836-1854) |
| Spouse | Manuela Warnes |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
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Joaquín Prieto Vial (August 20, 1786 – November 22, 1854) was an important Chilean military leader and political figure. He served as President of Chile two times, from 1831 to 1841. Joaquín Prieto had family roots from Spain and the Basque Country.
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
Joaquín Prieto was one of five brothers. He was born in Concepción. His father was a Criollo officer, meaning he was of Spanish descent but born in the Americas. After finishing school, Joaquín joined the cavalry (soldiers who ride horses) in his hometown.
In 1810, he decided to join Chile's fight for independence from Spain. He did this even though his father did not agree. In 1812, he married Manuela Warnes García de Zúñiga in Buenos Aires. During the Chilean War of Independence, he became a captain. He supported Bernardo O'Higgins in a disagreement with another leader, José Miguel Carrera. O'Higgins then made him the Quartermaster General (a high-ranking supply officer) for the southern army.
Joining the Fight for Independence
After a defeat in the Battle of Rancagua, Joaquín Prieto went to Mendoza, Argentina. There, he helped build the Army of the Andes, a group formed to fight for independence. He was not part of the battle of Chacabuco in 1817, which Chile won. After this victory, he became the Commanding General of Santiago. His job was to manage defense plans and military matters. Later, he also helped Peru in its fight for independence.
His military successes, especially in southern Chile, made conservative leaders notice him. They encouraged him to enter politics.
Start of Political Career
In 1823, Joaquín Prieto began his political career. He was elected to the Chilean House of Deputies. He also joined the State Council. In these roles, he wanted a strong central government. He opposed ideas that would give too much power to different regions. In 1828, he was elected vice-president of Chile.
Political Career and Civil War
Prieto's military career continued to grow. In 1828, he became a general and the commander of the southern army. In the 1829 presidential elections, neither he nor his opponent, Joaquín Vicuña, won a clear majority of votes. The Congress, which had more liberal members, chose Francisco Ramón Vicuña as vice-president. Conservatives believed this was against the rules and started a civil war.
As the southern army's commander, Prieto marched towards Santiago. On December 14, 1829, his troops fought and defeated the liberal army at the Battle of Ochagavía. The civil war ended in 1830 after Ramón Freire was defeated at the Battle of Lircay.
Presidency of Chile
After the temporary president, José Tomás Ovalle, passed away, Fernando Errázuriz Aldunate served as a Provisional President for a short time in March 1831. Joaquín Prieto then took over on April 10. On September 18, 1831, Prieto officially became the elected president for his first five-year term.
Restoring Order and New Laws
When Prieto first became president, his main goal was to bring back law and order. He worked closely with Diego Portales, who was a very important minister. Portales helped bring political stability to Chile after a period of chaos. Prieto also ordered Manuel Bulnes to capture bandits led by the brothers Pablo and José Antonio Pincheira. These bandits were causing trouble around Concepción.
On May 25, 1833, a new constitution (a set of rules for the government) was approved. This constitution, with some changes, lasted until 1925. It stated that the president would serve for five years and could be re-elected only once. The president was given a lot of power.
Building the Nation
During his ten years as president, Prieto made the government stronger. He also created the basis for a public administration (the way the government manages its services). The first schools, like the Instituto Nacional, were started. In 1837, new government departments for justice and public education were created.
Chile's foreign policy during Prieto's time was mostly about the war with Peru from 1836 to 1839. The Chilean army, led by Manuel Blanco Encalada, faced many difficulties. After a tough period, Manuel Bulnes took over the army. He led them to a big victory in the Battle of Yungay.
Later Life
In 1841, Bulnes, who was a hero from the war, was elected as the next president. After leaving office, Prieto served as a Senator (a member of the country's law-making body) until 1852. He also commanded the infantry (foot soldiers) and navy in Valparaíso until 1846. In 1846, he moved to Santiago, Chile. He passed away there on November 22, 1854, at the age of 68.
Images for kids
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Signature of Joaquín Prieto Vial
See also
In Spanish: Joaquín Prieto para niños
