Oswaldo López Arellano facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Oswaldo López
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| President of Honduras | |
| In office 3 October 1963 – 7 June 1971 |
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| Vice President | Ricardo Zúñiga Agustinus |
| Preceded by | Ramón Villeda |
| Succeeded by | Ramón Ernesto Cruz |
| President of Honduras (Head of State of Honduras) |
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| In office 4 December 1972 – 22 April 1975 |
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| Preceded by | Ramón Ernesto Cruz |
| Succeeded by | Juan Alberto Melgar |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Oswaldo Enrique López Arellano
30 June 1921 Danlí, Honduras |
| Died | 16 May 2010 (aged 88) Tegucigalpa, Honduras |
| Political party | National Party |
| Spouse | Gloria Figueroa de López |
| Occupation | General, Statesman |
Oswaldo Enrique López Arellano (born June 30, 1921 – died May 16, 2010) was an important political leader in Honduras. He served as the President of Honduras two times. His first time as president was from 1963 to 1971. He then served again from 1972 until 1975.
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Early Life and Military Career
Oswaldo López Arellano was born in Danlí, Honduras. His family was well-known in the El Paraíso region. When he was 18, he joined the Army.
He became a pilot after graduating from the Honduran Air Force School. From 1942 to 1945, he studied aviation mechanics in Arizona, USA. López Arellano served for many years as a colonel. He eventually rose to the high rank of general.
Political Career in Honduras
In 1957, López Arellano was part of a military group that briefly governed Honduras. This group stepped down once democratic elections were held.
First Time as President
López Arellano first became president on October 3, 1963. This happened after a military takeover. He led the country until June 7, 1971. After this, he allowed new elections to take place. Ramón Ernesto Cruz then became president.
Second Time as President and Major Changes
On December 4, 1972, López Arellano took power again. During his second time as president, he worked on a big plan for land reform. This plan aimed to help farmers who were struggling. Many farmers had been forced off land owned by wealthy families or large US fruit companies.
His plan was called the National Development Plan. It had two main parts. The most important changes happened between 1972 and 1975. Laws were passed to help farmers get land. A law for a minimum wage was also created in 1973. These changes came because farmer groups, like the CTH and ANACH, pushed for them. Worker unions from companies like United Fruit and Standard Fruit also supported these reforms.
The Football War
López Arellano also led the Honduran military during a conflict known as the Football War. This short war happened between Honduras and El Salvador in 1969.
End of His Presidency
In 1975, a US government agency found out about some unfair payments. A company called United Brands Company had offered money to President López. They wanted him to lower taxes on banana exports. This event became known as "Bananagate" in Honduras.
Because of this situation, López Arellano was removed from power. This happened on April 22, 1975, during a military takeover led by General Juan Alberto Melgar.
Personal Life
Oswaldo López Arellano owned several businesses. One of them was TAN-SAHSA, which was a Honduran airline. His oldest son, Oswaldo, passed away in 2003.
López Arellano died on May 16, 2010. He was 88 years old and was having surgery for prostate cancer.
See also
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Ramón Villeda |
President of Honduras 1963–1971 |
Succeeded by Ramón Ernesto Cruz |
| Preceded by Ramón Ernesto Cruz |
President of Honduras 1972–1975 |
Succeeded by Juan Alberto Melgar Head of State |
