Lázaro Chacón González facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
General of Division
Lázaro Chacón González
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| President of Guatemala | |
| In office 26 September 1926 – 12 December 1930 |
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| Vice President |
First Vice President
Miguel Larrave
Mauro de León Rodolfo A. Mendoza Mario León Second Vice President
Federico Aguilar Valenzuela
Mauro De León Rodolfo Sandoval Arturo Ramirez Baudilio Palma |
| Preceded by | José María Orellana |
| Succeeded by | Baudilio Palma |
| First Vice President of Guatemala | |
| In office 28 April 1925 – 18 December 1926 |
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| President | José María Orellana |
| Preceded by | Aurelio Recinos |
| Succeeded by | Miguel Larrave |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 27 June 1873 Teculután, Zacapa, Guatemala |
| Died | 8 April 1931 (aged 57) New Orleans, Louisiana, US |
| Political party | Unionist Party |
| Spouse | Josefina de Chacón |
| Children | Lázaro Chacón, Alfredo Chacón, Gilberto Chacón |
| Profession | General and Politician |
Lázaro Chacón González (born June 27, 1873 – died April 9, 1931) was an important political figure in Guatemala. He served as the acting President of Guatemala for a short time in 1926. Later, he became the official President of Guatemala, holding office from December 1926 to January 1931.
Lázaro Chacón was born in Teculután, a town in the Zacapa region of Guatemala. His mother, Soledad González Paiz, passed away during his birth. His father was Juan José Chacón Paiz. Lázaro was raised by his aunt, Cleta Chacón, who became like an adopted mother to him. He later married Josefina Pazos.
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Becoming Interim President
On September 26, 1926, the then-President, General José María Orellana, passed away suddenly while on vacation. This event led to General Lázaro Chacón taking over as the interim, or temporary, President.
Before this, there had been some tension in the country. President Orellana had put in place "martial law," which meant that some personal freedoms were limited. This was because the government felt that certain activities were causing problems for the country's peace and economy. Private newspapers were not allowed to publish freely. When Chacón became interim President, he quickly lifted martial law. This allowed private newspapers to be published again, which was a big change for the country.
Chacón's Presidency
After serving as interim president, Lázaro Chacón ran for president in an election. His main opponent was General Jorge Ubico. Chacón won the election.
During his time as president, Chacón's government made several important changes and improvements.
- He created the National Mortgage Bank (Crédito Hipotecario Nacional). This bank helped people get loans for homes and other needs.
- He oversaw the construction of a new building for the Faculty of Medicine. This helped improve medical education in Guatemala.
- The Legislative Palace, where laws are made, was completed during his presidency.
- The national railroad system was also finished, which helped with transportation and trade across the country.
His government also worked to make Guatemala's money more stable. However, the country faced big challenges when the Great Depression hit the world in 1929. This global economic crisis affected Guatemala's economy too.
Health Issues and Resignation
In December 1930, President Chacón suffered a serious stroke. This made him unable to continue his duties as president, and he had to resign.
After his resignation, there was a period of quick changes in leadership:
- Baudilio Palma, who was the second person in line to become president, was appointed as the interim president.
- However, on December 17, 1930, a military takeover happened. General Manuel María Orellana Contreras led a coup d'etat, forcing Palma to resign. There was a short fight at the Presidential Palace, and sadly, Palma and another official passed away.
- On January 2, 1931, José María Reina Andrade became the interim president. This happened after other countries refused to recognize Orellana Contreras as the leader.
- Finally, on February 7, 1931, General Jorge Ubico Castañeda won the presidential elections and became the new president of Guatemala.
Death
Lázaro Chacón passed away on April 9, 1931, in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. He was 57 years old. His death was a result of the stroke he had suffered earlier.
Family Legacy
Lázaro Chacón's family continued to play important roles in Guatemala.
- His granddaughter, Josefina Chacón de Machado, became a judge and later served as the President of the Guatemalan Supreme Court.
- His grandson, Carlos Gilberto Chacón Torrebiarte, also became a judge and President of the Guatemalan Supreme Court.
