Pedro María de Anaya facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pedro María Anaya
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Portrait of Pedro María de Anaya
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| 17th President of Mexico | |
| In office 2 April 1847 – 20 May 1847 |
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| Preceded by | Antonio López de Santa Anna |
| Succeeded by | Antonio López de Santa Anna |
| In office 13 November 1847 – 8 January 1848 |
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| Preceded by | Manuel de la Peña y Peña |
| Succeeded by | Manuel de la Peña y Peña |
| President of the Chamber of Deputies | |
| In office 30 October 1830 – 30 November 1830 |
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| Preceded by | José Antonio Sastre |
| Succeeded by | Andrés Quintana Roo |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 20 May 1795 Huichapan, Viceroyalty of New Spain (now Hidalgo, Mexico) |
| Died | 21 March 1854 (aged 58) Mexico City |
Pedro María Anaya (born May 20, 1795 – died March 21, 1854) was an important Mexican soldier and politician. He served as the interim (temporary) president of Mexico two times. Both of his presidencies happened during the difficult Mexican-American War. Between his terms as president, he bravely fought as an officer. He is especially remembered for his courage at the Battle of Churubusco.
Contents
Pedro María Anaya: A Mexican Leader
Early Life and Military Start
Pedro María Anaya was born in a town called Huichapan in 1795. He started his military career in June 1811. This was during the Mexican War of Independence. He joined the army as a cadet, which is a trainee officer.
By 1819, he had become a captain. At first, he fought for the Spanish side. He took part in many battles. But on June 20, 1821, he decided to switch sides. He joined Agustin de Iturbide's movement for Mexican independence. This movement was called the Plan of Iguala.
Anaya was sent to march with General Vicente Filísola to Guatemala. In 1823, he was promoted to squadron commander. Five years later, he became a lieutenant colonel. He was later promoted to brigadier general. This happened because he was loyal to the liberal political party. After his military service, Anaya held civilian jobs. One of these jobs was managing the postal service.
Anaya as Minister of War
In 1845, Pedro Anaya became the Minister of War. This was under President Jose Joaquin Herrera. It was a tough time because many people wanted war with the United States. President Herrera wanted a more peaceful solution. Many war ministers resigned because they didn't want to go against what the public wanted.
When Herrera's government ended in December 1845, Anaya retired. He did not agree with the policies of the new president, Mariano Paredes. In 1847, Valentin Gomez Farias became president again. Anaya was the president of the congress at this time. He supported Gomez Farias's decision to take over church lands. This was a very controversial decision during the war.
First Time as President
A revolt called the "Revolt of the Polkos" broke out. Anaya stood by Gomez Farias. But then Antonio López de Santa Anna returned. Santa Anna found a way to solve the conflict between the groups. He removed Gomez Farias from power.
Anaya was then chosen as the temporary president. Santa Anna left to fight the American forces. These forces had landed in Veracruz. Anaya was given special permission to put the capital city under siege. This meant preparing it for an attack.
He worked hard to unite the country for the war. Many states did not want to help as much as they could. They also made alliances with each other instead of working together. After the Battle of Cerro Gordo, American troops were moving towards Mexico City. Congress gave Anaya special powers. But he could not make a peace treaty on his own. He also could not give away any part of Mexico's land. Anyone who tried to negotiate with the Americans was called a traitor.
On April 2, Anaya called a meeting. They discussed whether to defend the capital. They talked about supplies and money problems. His cabinet suggested fighting with guerrilla warfare. When Santa Anna returned to the capital, Anaya gave the presidency back to him.
A Hero at Churubusco
After his first presidency, Anaya joined the military again. He wanted to help fight the war. He led a group of soldiers. They defended the Convent of Churubusco. He successfully pushed back an entire enemy group.
During the battle, he was burned by an artillery explosion. He finally surrendered when he was ordered to. He became a prisoner of war. After the battle, General David E. Twiggs asked Anaya to surrender his ammunition. Anaya famously replied, "If I had any ammunition, you would not be here." This showed his bravery and determination. After a ceasefire was signed, he was released. The Mexican government moved to Queretaro. Anaya was once again named president.
Second Time as President
When Anaya became president for the second time, he supported the federal system. He believed it was the best way to handle the difficult situation. He promised to protect people and their property.
He had to take military steps. There were rumors that American troops would march towards San Luis Potosi. Congress also made some rules. No public official could take private property. Growing tobacco freely was allowed. They tried to get rid of military command centers. Aguascalientes was named the new seat of government. This was in case Americans took Queretaro.
Some lawmakers did not want to negotiate with the Americans. This was if the Americans wanted to take any Mexican land. But there were not enough lawmakers present to make decisions. The war was very difficult. There were money problems and a lack of weapons. Losing the capital city made many people lose hope.
The state of Mexico asked the government not to make peace. They wanted to hear from all the states first. Two people from each state were chosen to form a commission. They would decide the best way forward. The governor of San Luis Potosi wanted to continue the war. He protested against any peace agreement.
Guerrilla warfare also caused problems for Mexicans themselves. President Anaya showed his strength with sixteen thousand troops. Many governors met in Queretaro. But they could not agree on what to do. The state of Chihuahua suggested giving the United States the northern areas. These areas were not very populated. Many Native American tribes lived there and raided Mexican settlements. Chihuahua thought the U.S. could help protect the border. They could also stop the sale of stolen goods and weapons to the tribes.
Anaya's government continued to have money problems. This was partly because they stopped controlling the tobacco business. This meant the government lost a lot of money. Anaya's term as interim president was set to end on January 8, 1848. He handed over the government at this time. He then became the Minister of War. He faithfully followed the policies of President Peña y Peña. After the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed, the government returned to Mexico City.
Later Years
Anaya continued to serve as Minister of War. He served under President Mariano Arista. He also served for three days under President Ceballos. He resigned because he disagreed with how things were going. Another change in government was bringing Santa Anna back to power.
Even so, Santa Anna made Anaya the postmaster. Pedro Anaya died in this job on March 21, 1854. He died suddenly from a severe case of pneumonia.
See also
In Spanish: Pedro María Anaya para niños
