José María Medina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
José María Medina Castejón
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| 8th President of Honduras | |
| In office 12 August 1876 – 27 August 1876 |
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| Preceded by | Crescencio Gómez |
| Succeeded by | Marco Aurelio Soto |
| In office 15 March 1864 – 26 July 1872 |
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| Vice President |
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| Preceded by | Francisco Cruz Castro |
| Succeeded by | Céleo Arias |
| In office 7 September 1863 – 31 December 1863 |
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| Vice President | Francisco Inestroza |
| Preceded by | José Francisco Montes |
| Succeeded by | Francisco Inestroza |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1826 Sensenti |
| Died | 1878 (aged 51–52) |
José María Medina Castejón (born September 8, 1826 – died 1878) was an important leader who served as the President of Honduras three different times. He was president during the 1860s and 1870s. José María Medina was born in a place called Sensenti. His mother's name was Antonia Medina Castejón.
Contents
Early Military Career
José María Medina joined the Honduran army when he was 18 years old. In 1844, he fought as a junior officer in Nicaragua. He helped defend Central America against William Walker, who was trying to take over the region.
In 1850, José María Medina was made the Commander of Arms in Omoa. He also helped General Juan López in a rebellion in 1855. Later that same year, he was defeated in a battle by General Mariano Álvarez at Siguatepeque. From July 1856 to May 1857, he was an official member of the Central American Joint Chiefs of Staff. This group helped lead the armies of Central America.
Becoming President of Honduras
José María Medina's first time as president was temporary. He served as an Acting President from September 1 to December 31, 1863. He was then elected President in 1864.
Changes to the Constitution
According to the 1848 constitution, President Medina could serve a second term. However, in 1865, he called for a special meeting called a Constitutional Convention. This meeting created a new constitution, or set of rules for the country, on September 18.
The new constitution said that a president could only serve one term. It also made the National Congress (the country's law-making body) unicameral. This means it would have only one group of representatives instead of two. The Convention then made Medina the temporary president. This was confirmed in an election in December 1865.
Second Term and Referendum
To get a second term after the new constitution was adopted, President Medina called another Convention. This group approved changes to the constitution and also elected him president for a second term.
Some people protested these changes. So, he held a special vote called a referendum. In this vote, over 95% of the people approved the changes. However, on July 26, 1872, he was removed from power after a revolt by the Liberals, a political group.
Later Life and End
José María Medina served as president a third time for a short period. This was from August 12 to August 27, 1876. Later, he was arrested and his life ended in 1878 in Santa Rosa de Copán.
See also
In Spanish: José María Medina para niños
