Pedro Alcántara Herrán facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pedro Alcántara Herrán
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| 1st Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Colombia to Costa Rica | |
| In office 1856–1870 |
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| President | Manuel María Mallarino |
| Preceded by | Office Created |
| Succeeded by | Antonio María Pradilla |
| 2nd Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Colombia to the United States | |
| In office 20 June 1855 - 3 March 1863 – December 7, 1847 - August 16, 1849 |
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| President | Manuel María Mallarino |
| Preceded by | José María Salazar |
| Succeeded by | Manuel Murillo Toro |
| 3rd President of the Republic of the New Granada | |
| In office 1 April 1841 – 1 April 1845 |
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| Vice President | Domingo Caycedo |
| Preceded by | José Ignacio de Márquez |
| Succeeded by | Tomás Cipriano de Mosquera |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 19 October 1800 Bogotá, Viceroyalty of the New Granada |
| Died | 26 April 1872 (aged 71) Bogotá, Cundinamarca, United States of Colombia |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Spouse | Amelia Mosquera Arboleda |
Pedro Alcántara Herrán Martínez de Zaldúa (born October 19, 1800, died April 26, 1872) was an important Colombian leader. He was a general and a statesman. He served as the President of the Republic of the New Granada from 1841 to 1845. As a general, he fought in the wars that helped New Granada (which became Colombia) and Peru become independent from Spain. He was born and died in Bogotá.
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Early Life and Education
Pedro Alcántara Herrán was born in Bogotá, which was then part of the Viceroyalty of New Granada. He started his education at the Colegio Mayor de San Bartolomé in Bogotá. However, he left school at only 14 years old. This was in 1814, a time when many people were fighting for independence.
A Brave Military Career
Young Herrán joined the revolutionary army. He served under famous generals like Simón Bolívar. He fought in many battles for independence. In one battle, called Cuchilla del Tambo, Spanish forces captured him. He was sentenced to death, but his life was spared. Instead, he had to serve in the Spanish Army for five years.
Later, he managed to escape. He rejoined the revolutionary army, this time under General Antonio José de Sucre. He was given the rank of captain. He fought in important battles in New Granada and Peru. These included the battles of Bomboná (1822), Junín (1824), and Ayacucho (1824). Because of his bravery and skill, Bolívar promoted him to the rank of General in 1828. He also served as the Military Chief of the province of Panamá.
In 1839, Herrán helped the government of President José Ignacio de Márquez. There was a revolt led by General José María Obando. This revolt happened because the government closed some Catholic convents in the city of Pasto. Herrán's victory in this conflict made him very popular. This success helped him enter the world of politics.
Diplomatic Roles
Besides his military and political work, Pedro Alcántara Herrán also served as a diplomat. He was an important representative for Colombia in several countries. He worked as an Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary. This means he was a high-ranking diplomat. He represented Colombia in the United States, Ecuador, the Holy See (the government of the Catholic Church), and Costa Rica.
Becoming President
After his military success, President Márquez suggested Herrán as a candidate for president. He ran against two other candidates, Eusebio Borrero and Vicente Azuero. None of them won a clear majority of the votes from the people. So, the decision of who would be president went to the Congress. In 1841, Congress chose General Pedro Alcántara Herrán as President. They also chose General Domingo Caycedo as Vice-President.
Herrán's Presidency
Herrán was elected President for a four-year term, starting on April 1, 1841. However, he could not take office right away. He was still leading government troops in a civil war. This war was known as the War of the Supremes. Because Herrán was busy fighting, Vice-President Domingo Caycedo was sworn in as president instead.
The civil war, which began in 1839, grew bigger. It spread to the northern parts of the country. Herrán asked General Caycedo to lead the government troops in the northern battles. During this time, Juan de Dios Aranzazu, who was the President of the “Consejo de Estado” (Council of State), became acting president. He served from July 5 to October 19, 1841. Then, Caycedo returned to the presidency.
Finally, Pedro Alcántara Herrán returned to Bogotá as a victor on May 19, 1842. He was then officially sworn in as President of the Republic of New Granada.
See also
In Spanish: Pedro Alcántara Herrán para niños
