Juan Antonio Pezet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Juan Antonio Pezet
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| 16th President of Peru | |
| In office August 5, 1863 – November 8, 1865 |
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| Preceded by | Pedro Diez Canseco |
| Succeeded by | Pedro Diez Canseco |
| Prime Minister of Peru | |
| In office 1861–1863 |
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| President | Ramón Castilla Miguel de San Román |
| Preceded by | José Maria Raygada y Gallo |
| Succeeded by | Juan Antonio Ribeyro Estrada |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 11 June 1809 Lima, Peru |
| Died | 24 March 1879 (aged 69) Lima, Peru |
Juan Antonio Pezet Rodríguez Piedra (born June 11, 1809 – died March 24, 1879) was an important Peruvian military leader and politician. He held several key roles, including Secretary of War and First Vice President. He is best known for being the 16th President of Peru. During his time as president, a disagreement with Spain over the Chincha Islands led to a military uprising that caused him to leave office.
Early Life and Military Career
Juan Antonio Pezet was born in Lima, Peru. His father, Dr. Jose Pezet Monel, was a doctor, journalist, and politician who helped Peru become independent. Juan Antonio's grandfather, Antoine Pezet Eustache, came to Lima from France in 1765.
As a young boy, Pezet briefly attended the Jesuit College of San Carlos. When General José de San Martín and the Chilean army entered Lima in 1821, young Pezet joined the Peruvian patriots. He became a sub-lieutenant and fought for Peru's independence.
In 1823, he was promoted to lieutenant. He fought in important battles like Junín and Ayacucho under famous leaders like Bolívar and Sucre. These battles were crucial for Peru's freedom.
Pezet became a captain in 1828. In 1835, he was a colonel. He supported President Agustín Gamarra in a conflict against the Peru-Bolivian Confederacy. Because of this, he was sent away from Peru for a time.
After he returned, he became the prefect of Lima. He also took part in a revolution led by Vivanco in 1843. During this time, he was made Inspector-General of the Army and Prefect of La Libertad. He was injured and captured in 1844 but was later forgiven. He then became prefect of Arequipa in 1847. In 1848, he was made general-in-chief of the southern army.
In 1853, under President Echenique, Pezet was appointed inspector-general and chief of the Army of the South. This was during a time when Peru was involved in a conflict with Bolivia.
Becoming President of Peru
In 1859, Juan Antonio Pezet served as the Secretary of War. In 1862, he was elected First Vice President alongside General San Román. When President San Román passed away in 1863, Pezet became the President of Peru.
During his time as president, Peru faced serious problems with Spain. These problems grew worse and led to Spain occupying the Chincha Islands on April 14, 1864. The Chincha Islands were important because they had valuable guano (bird droppings used as fertilizer).
Pezet tried to solve the conflict peacefully. He signed a treaty with Spain on January 27, 1865. However, many Peruvians felt this treaty was unfair and dishonored their country. This led to a large uprising against his government. Because of this, on November 7, 1865, he gave up his presidential role and moved to Europe, settling in Richmond, England. He returned to Peru in 1871 and lived a quiet life in Chorrillos until he passed away.
Images for kids
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Juan Antonio Pezet, 16th President of Peru.
See also
In Spanish: Juan Antonio Pezet para niños
