Juan Mora Fernández facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jaun Mora Fernández
Head of State of Costa Rica
In office 7 April 1825 – 8 March 1829
Succeeded by	himself
In office 8 March 1829 – 8 March 1833
Preceded by	himself
Succeeded by	José Rafael Gallegos Alvarado
Personal details
Born	Juan Mora Fernández 12 July 1783 San José, Costa Rica
Died	16 December 1854
Political party	Liberal

Juan Mora Fernández (born in 1783 in San José – died in 1854) was a very important leader in Costa Rica's early history. He was the country's first elected Head of State. This means he was like the first president chosen by the people. He led Costa Rica from 1825 to 1833. He is remembered for making big changes, especially about land.

Costa Rica's First Elected Leader

Juan Mora Fernández was elected as Costa Rica's first Head of State in 1825. This was a very important moment for the young nation. Before this, Costa Rica was part of a larger group of Central American countries. His election marked a new beginning for Costa Rica as an independent state. He served two terms, showing the trust people had in him.

Moving the Capital City

One of Juan Mora Fernández's first big decisions was to move the capital city. He moved it from Cartago to San José. This was a significant change for the country. San José then became the main center for government and business.

His Liberal Ideas

Juan Mora Fernández was known as a "liberal." In his time, being a liberal meant believing in new ideas. These ideas included freedom, progress, and fairness for citizens. He wanted to modernize Costa Rica. He also aimed to make the government work better for everyone. His leadership helped shape Costa Rica's future.

Important Land Reforms

One of his most famous actions was bringing in "land reform." This meant changing how land was owned and used. He wanted to make sure land was used productively. These reforms helped many people get land to farm. This was especially important for growing crops like coffee.

The Rise of Coffee and Its Impact

The land reforms helped Costa Rica's economy grow. Many people started growing coffee. Coffee became a very important crop for the country. It helped Costa Rica trade with other nations. However, these changes also led to some powerful coffee growers. These growers became very wealthy and influential. They were sometimes called "coffee barons." Over time, their power grew. They even had a big influence on politics.

Legacy of Juan Mora Fernández

Juan Mora Fernández is remembered as a progressive leader. He laid the foundation for modern Costa Rica. His decisions helped the country develop its economy. He also helped establish important government structures. He is still seen as a key figure in Costa Rican history.

Images for kids

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  Juan Mora Fernández

See also

In Spanish: Juan Mora Fernández para niños