Paul Magloire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paul Magloire
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32nd President of Haiti | |
In office December 6, 1950 – December 12, 1956 |
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Preceded by | Franck Lavaud |
Succeeded by | Joseph Nemours Pierre-Louis |
Minister of Interior and Defence | |
In office May 12, 1950 – August 3, 1950 |
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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 |
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President | Franck Lavaud |
Minister of Interior and Defence | |
In office January 12, 1946 – August 16, 1946 |
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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 |
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President | Franck Lavaud |
Personal details | |
Born |
Paul Eugène Magloire
July 19, 1907 Quartier-Morin, Haiti |
Died | July 12, 2001 Port-au-Prince, Haiti |
(aged 93)
Other political affiliations |
MOP (Mouvement Ouvrier Paysan) |
Spouse | Yolette Leconte |
Relations | Eugene Francois Magloire Philomene Mathieu |
Occupation | Military (Division general) |
Military service | |
Allegiance | ![]() |
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."
Contents
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 para niños