Manuel Blanco Encalada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Manuel Blanco Encalada
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| Provisional President of Chile | |
| In office 9 July 1826 – 9 September 1826 |
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| Vice President | Agustín Eyzaguirre |
| Preceded by | Ramón Freire (as Supreme Director of Chile) |
| Succeeded by | Agustín Eyzaguirre |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 21 April 1790 Buenos Aires, Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata |
| Died | 5 September 1876 (aged 86) Santiago, Chile |
| Nationality | Chilean |
| Political party | Independent |
| Spouse |
Carmen Gana López
(m. 1818) |
| Signature |  |
Manuel José Blanco y Calvo de Encalada (April 21, 1790 – September 5, 1876) was an important naval officer and political leader in Chile. He is famous for being Chile's very first President, though he only held the title for a short time in 1826. He was a vice-admiral in the Chilean Navy.
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Manuel Blanco Encalada was born in Buenos Aires in 1790. At that time, Buenos Aires was the capital of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata. This was a large area in South America controlled by Spain. His father was Spanish, and his mother was Chilean.
He received his naval training in Spain. However, when the Chilean War of Independence began, he chose to join the Chilean forces. This war was fought to gain independence from Spain.
Fighting for Independence
Blanco Encalada served with great skill during the war. He worked alongside a famous British naval officer named Lord Cochrane. Manuel quickly rose through the ranks. By 1825, he became a Vice-Admiral and the commander of the Chilean forces.
One of his important achievements was helping to capture Chiloé Island. This island was one of the last places in Chile still controlled by Spain.
Chile's First President
In 1826, the Chilean Congress created a new position: President of the Republic. They elected Manuel Blanco Encalada to this role. He became Chile's first-ever President, though his title was "Provisional President." This meant he was in charge for a temporary period.
However, his time as president was very short. He had disagreements with Congress. Congress was trying to set up a "federalist system." This system would give more power to different regions of the country, rather than keeping all power in the central government. Because of these disagreements, Blanco Encalada resigned from his position after only two months.
Later Life and Contributions
After his presidency, Manuel Blanco Encalada continued to serve his country. He participated in later wars, including those against the Peruvian-Bolivian Confederation and Spain (1865–1866).
He also held important government roles. He became the Governor of Valparaíso, a major port city in Chile. Later, he served as a minister (like an ambassador) to France. He was also an active member of the Freemasons.
Manuel Blanco Encalada passed away in Santiago de Chile in 1876, at the age of 86. He is remembered as a key figure in Chile's early history and its fight for independence.
See also
In Spanish: Manuel Blanco Encalada para niños
Images for kids
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Manuel Blanco Encalada's signature.
