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Paul Magloire
Paul Magloire portrait.jpg
32nd President of Haiti
In office
December 6, 1950 – December 12, 1956
Preceded by Franck Lavaud
Succeeded by Joseph Nemours Pierre-Louis
Minister of Interior and Defence
In office
May 12, 1950 – August 3, 1950
President Franck Lavaud
Preceded by Louis Raymond
Succeeded by Luc E. Fouché
Member of the Government Junta of Haiti
In office
May 10, 1950 – December 6, 1950
President Franck Lavaud
Minister of Interior and Defence
In office
January 12, 1946 – August 16, 1946
President Franck Lavaud
Preceded by Vély Thébaud
Succeeded by Georges Honorat
Member of the Executive Military Committee
In office
January 11, 1946 – August 16, 1946
President Franck Lavaud
Personal details
Born
Paul Eugène Magloire

(1907-07-19)July 19, 1907
Quartier-Morin, Haiti
Died July 12, 2001(2001-07-12) (aged 93)
Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Other political
affiliations
MOP (Mouvement Ouvrier Paysan)
Spouse Yolette Leconte
Relations Eugene Francois Magloire Philomene Mathieu
Occupation Military (Division general)
Military service
Allegiance  Haiti
Branch/service Haitian Army
Years of service 1930–1950
Rank General

Paul Eugène Magloire (July 19, 1907 – July 12, 2001) was a Haitian military leader and politician. He served as the 32nd President of Haiti from 1950 to 1956. People often called him Kanson Fe, which means "Iron Pants."

Early Life and Family

Paul Eugène Magloire was born on July 19, 1907, in Quartier-Morin, a town in northern Haiti. His father, Eugene Francois Magloire, was a high-ranking general. His mother was Marie-Philomene Mathieu.

Paul went to school at Lycee Philippe Guerrier. In 1936, he married Yolette Leconte. She was a direct descendant of Jean-Jacques Dessalines, a hero of Haitian independence. Their marriage lasted until her death in 1981.

Military Career and Rise to Power

Paul Magloire joined the Haitian army on September 1, 1930. He quickly moved up the ranks. By 1935, he was a sub-commander in Cap-Haitien. He became a captain and commander of that district in 1938.

In 1941, he moved to Port-au-Prince. There, he became the commander of the National Penitentiary, a large prison. The next year, he graduated from law school. In 1944, he was made Police Chief of Port-au-Prince.

Political Changes in 1946

In January 1946, people protested against President Elie Lescot. Magloire suggested that Lescot hand over power to a group of military leaders. This group was called a "military junta." Magloire became the Minister of the Interior and National Defense in this new government.

Later in 1946, Dumarsais Estimé was elected president. Magloire became part of the opposition. He started a political group called MOP (Mouvement Ouvrier Paysan). In 1950, he was promoted to Colonel in the Haitian Army.

Becoming President in 1950

In May 1950, Colonel Franck Lavaud temporarily took power. His job was to organize new presidential elections. Magloire decided to run for president.

The election in December 1950 was special. It was the first time in Haiti's history that all adult men could vote. Magloire won the election.

Presidency of Paul Magloire

During Paul Magloire's time as president, Haiti became a popular place for tourists. Many visitors from America and Europe came to the country. His strong stance against communism also made the United States government support him.

Public Works and Progress

President Magloire focused on improving Haiti's infrastructure. Money from selling coffee was used to fix towns and build new roads. He also oversaw the construction of public buildings and a dam.

An important change during his presidency was giving women the right to vote. This was a big step forward for equality in Haiti.

Magloire enjoyed social events. He hosted many parties and ceremonies. In 1950, he changed the constitution. This change made Haiti a republican presidential system, where the president had more power.

Challenges and End of Term

Magloire's popularity started to decline around 1954. That year, Hurricane Hazel caused a lot of damage across Haiti. Funds meant to help people affected by the hurricane did not always reach those who needed them.

According to Haiti's new political system, a president could only serve one term. So, Paul Magloire's presidency ended on December 12, 1956.

Exile and Return

After leaving office, Magloire left Haiti. There were many strikes and protests in the country. Haiti faced political instability for about eight months.

Eventually, François Duvalier came to power. In October 1957, Magloire was officially sent into exile. He also lost his Haitian citizenship. His properties were taken by the new government. Magloire then settled in New York City.

In 1986, Duvalier's son, Jean-Claude Duvalier, lost power. Magloire then returned to Haiti from New York. Two years later, he became an unofficial advisor to the army. He hoped to become president again, but this never happened.

On July 19, 1997, Paul Magloire was given the special title of "Marshal of Haiti." He passed away on July 12, 2001, at the age of 93. The Haitian government held a state funeral for him.

See also

In Spanish: Paul Magloire for kids In Spanish: Paul Magloire para niños

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