José de la Mar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
José de La Mar
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| 3rd President of Peru | |
| In office 22 August 1827 – 7 June 1829 |
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| Vice President | Manuel Salazar y Baquíjano |
| Preceded by | Manuel Salazar y Baquíjano |
| Succeeded by | Antonio Gutiérrez de la Fuente |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 12 May 1776 Cuenca, Real Audiencia de Quito (now Ecuador) |
| Died | 11 October 1830 (aged 54) San José, Costa Rica |
| Profession | Soldier |
José de La Mar (born May 12, 1776 – died October 11, 1830) was an important military leader and politician from Peru. He became the third President of Peru.
Contents
Biography of José de La Mar
Early Life and Education
José de La Mar was born in Cuenca on May 12, 1776. This city is now part of Ecuador. His parents were Marcos de La Mar y Migura and Josefa Paula Cortázar y Lavayen. José spent his early childhood years growing up in Spain.
Military Career in Europe
La Mar joined the Spanish army in 1794. He started as a sub-lieutenant in the Savoy regiment. He fought against the French Republic in 1794. He was promoted to captain in 1795.
He continued to fight against France. By 1808, he was a lieutenant colonel. He helped defend Zaragoza during Napoleon's invasion of Spain. He was badly hurt but became known as a "Hero of the nation." He was then promoted to colonel.
In 1812, La Mar was wounded again and captured by the French. He was held in a castle in France. He managed to escape and traveled back to Spain. In 1815, King Ferdinand VII made him a Brigadier. He also received a special award called the Saint Hermenegildo's Cross.
Service in Peru
In 1816, La Mar was sent to Peru. He became the Sub-Inspector of the Viceroyalty of Peru. He was also made Governor of Callao. By 1819, he was promoted to field marshal.
The Peruvian War of Independence
Fighting for the Royalists
At the start of the Peruvian War of Independence, La Mar supported the Royalists. These were people loyal to Spain. He was in charge of the Real Felipe Fortress in Callao. This was a very important fort.
The Viceroy of Peru left the capital in June 1821. He told La Mar to keep fighting and wait for help. La Mar successfully defended the fort for almost four months. He finally surrendered the fort in September 1821. This was because they ran out of supplies.
Joining the Rebel Cause
After surrendering the fort, La Mar decided to join the rebel cause. These were the people fighting for Peru's independence. José de San Martín, a famous general, gave him the title of "Division General." La Mar accepted this role.
La Mar became part of the Supreme Governing Board of Peru. He served on this board from September 1822 to February 1823. He also served as the President of the Congress for a short time in late 1823.
President of Peru
José de La Mar became the Constitutional President of Peru on August 22, 1827. He served as president for less than two years. In June 1829, he was removed from office by a military takeover. This was led by General Agustín Gamarra. La Mar was forced to leave Peru. He died in Costa Rica on October 11, 1830.
See also
In Spanish: José de La Mar para niños
