Julio Herrera y Obes facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Julio Herrera y Obes
16th President of Uruguay
In office March 1, 1890 – March 1, 1894
Preceded by	Máximo Tajes
Succeeded by	Duncan Stewart
Personal details
Born	January 9, 1841 Montevideo, Uruguay
Died	August 6, 1912 Montevideo, Uruguay
Political party	Colorado Party

Julio Herrera y Obes (born January 9, 1841, in Montevideo; died August 6, 1912, in Montevideo) was an important political leader in Uruguay. He played a big part in his country's history during the late 1800s.

Early Life and Political Beginnings

Julio Herrera y Obes was a member of the Colorado Party. This was one of the main political groups in Uruguay. Before becoming president, he was a trusted advisor to the president before him, Máximo Tajes. Julio Herrera y Obes helped move the country from military rule back to a government run by civilians. His nephew was a famous poet named Julio Herrera y Reissig.

Becoming President of Uruguay

Julio Herrera y Obes became the President of Uruguay in 1890. He served as president for four years, until 1894. During his time as president, he believed the president should have a strong say in how elections were run. He also thought the president should influence who got elected to the General Assembly (which is like a parliament). This idea was called the "directing influence."

However, not everyone agreed with this policy. Some members of his own Colorado Party did not like it. One of the main people who disagreed was José Batlle y Ordóñez. He was the son of a former president and would later become a very important president himself.

After His Presidency

Julio Herrera y Obes finished his term and left office in March 1894. After he left, there was some debate about who should be the next president. Eventually, Juan Idiarte Borda, who was close to Herrera y Obes, became president.

However, the way the new government was formed made another political group, the National Party, very unhappy. This led to an armed uprising in 1897. The uprising was led by Aparicio Saravia. He was a powerful leader who fought for fairer elections. He wanted things like secret ballots and a system where all groups had a fair chance to be represented.

During this conflict, President Idiarte Borda died. The president of the Senate, Juan Lindolfo Cuestas, then became the temporary president. Cuestas quickly made a peace agreement with the National Party. This agreement gave them more control in certain parts of Uruguay. It also promised that all citizens would have their political rights protected.

See also

In Spanish: Julio Herrera y Obes para niños

• Colorado Party (Uruguay)#Earlier History
• Politics of Uruguay