Juan Esteban Pedernera facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Juan E. Pedernera
President of Argentina
In office November 5, 1861 – December 12, 1861
Preceded by	Santiago Derqui
Succeeded by	Bartolomé Mitre
Vice President of Argentina
In office March 5, 1860 – November 5, 1861
President	Santiago Derqui
Preceded by	Salvador María del Carril
Succeeded by	Marcos Paz
Personal details
Born	(1796-12-25)December 25, 1796 San José del Morro, San Luis Province
Died	February 1, 1886(1886-02-01) (aged 89) Buenos Aires
Nationality	Argentine
Spouse	Rosa Juana Heredia
Relations	Juan Esteban (father) Dominga Pedernera (mother)
Profession	Military

Juan Esteban Pedernera (born December 25, 1796 – died February 1, 1886) was an important military leader and politician in Argentina. He served as the interim President of Argentina for a short time in 1861. He also held the role of Vice President of Argentina before becoming president.

Early Life and Military Beginnings

Juan Esteban Pedernera was born on December 25, 1796, in San Luis Province, Argentina. When he was young, he studied in a Franciscan monastery. However, he soon left his studies to join the army.

He joined the famous Regiment of Mounted Grenadiers. This group was led by General José de San Martín. Pedernera fought bravely in the Argentine War of Independence against Spanish rule.

Fighting for Freedom

Pedernera took part in major battles to free South America. In 1815, he fought in the Battles of Chacabuco and Battle of Maipú in Chile. These were key victories for the independence movement.

Later, he joined the campaign to liberate Peru. During these fights, he was captured by the Spanish on Chiloé Island. But Pedernera was determined and managed to escape. He quickly rejoined his army to continue the fight for freedom.

Family Life

On September 23, 1823, Juan Esteban Pedernera married Rosa Juana Heredia. She was born in Peru in 1805. They were married in Callao, Peru. Rosa Juana Heredia passed away in Buenos Aires on August 26, 1886.

Political and Military Career

After the War of Independence, Pedernera continued his military career. In 1826, he fought in the Cisplatine War. This war was between the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata (which later became Argentina) and the Empire of Brazil.

Argentine Civil War

During the Argentine Civil War, Pedernera joined the Unitarian side. This group believed in a strong central government. He served under General José María Paz. Pedernera fought in the Battle of La Tablada against the federalist forces. The federalists wanted more power for the provinces.

After a period of living outside the country, Pedernera returned to Argentina. This was after the fall of the Rosas' regime. He then became a Senator for San Luis Province.

Governor and Vice President

Pedernera continued to rise in importance. In 1856, he was put in charge of the armed forces guarding the frontier. In 1859, he was elected Governor of San Luis. That same year, he fought in the Battle of Cepeda (1859).

He was then elected Vice-President of the Argentine Confederation. He served alongside President Santiago Derqui. His term as Vice-President lasted from 1860 until 1861.

Interim President

In 1861, President Derqui resigned after the Battle of Pavón. Juan Esteban Pedernera then stepped in as interim President. He served in this role until the political situation led to the office being dissolved.

In 1882, Pedernera was given the high rank of Lieutenant General of the Armies of the Republic. He passed away on February 1, 1886, in Buenos Aires.

See also

• Argentine War of Independence
• Argentine Confederation
• Battle of Caseros

In Spanish: Juan Esteban Pedernera para niños