Rafael López Gutiérrez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rafael Salvador López Gutiérrez
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Rafael López Gutiérrez, 1921
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| President of Honduras | |
| In office 1 February 1920 – 10 March 1924 |
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| Vice President | José María Ochoa Francisco Bueso |
| Preceded by | Francisco Bográn |
| Succeeded by | Francisco Bueso |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 11 May 1854 Tegucigalpa, Honduras |
| Died | 16 March 1924 (aged 69) Amapala, Honduras |
| Political party | Liberal Party of Honduras |
| Spouse | Ana Lagos Lanez |
| Profession | Politician, military |
General Rafael Salvador López Gutiérrez (born May 11, 1854 – died March 16, 1924) was a very important person in the history of Honduras. He served as the President of Honduras from February 1, 1920, until March 10, 1924. Before becoming president, he was a high-ranking general in the Honduran Army. He tried to stay in office longer than he was supposed to, which led to problems and forced him to leave his position. He passed away in Amapala while trying to get medical help for his diabetes.
Early Life and Family
Rafael López Gutiérrez was born on May 11, 1854, in Tegucigalpa, the capital city of Honduras. His parents were Soledad Gutiérrez Lozano and Juan López Gutiérrez. His family was quite well-known and had influence in the country. For example, his father was a temporary President of Honduras in 1855.
Rafael started his education in Tegucigalpa. Later, he traveled to London to study law. His mother's brother, Carlos Gutiérrez Lozano, was the Honduran ambassador there at the time. However, Rafael did not finish his law studies in London. He decided to return to Honduras to start a career in politics. In 1870, he married Anita Lagos Laínez. Her family was also influential and had interests in mining.
His Career Path
Over the years, Rafael López Gutiérrez held many important jobs in Honduras. He was the Director of the National Mint, which is where money is made. He also served as the Mayor of Tegucigalpa, the city where he was born. He worked as a customs administrator in Puerto Cortés, managing goods coming into the country.
He was also the Minister of War twice, which meant he was in charge of the country's military. Later, he became the Vice-President of Honduras. In 1886, he joined the Honduran military. By 1908, he had become a Division General, which is a very high rank.
Becoming President
In 1919, Rafael López Gutiérrez was the civilian governor of the Tegucigalpa area. He was also the head of the armed forces there. That year, the Liberal Party of Honduras chose him as their candidate for president.
In the election held in April 1919, another candidate, Nazario Soriano, was declared the winner. Many people believed this election was not fair. Because of this, López Gutiérrez and others decided to fight against the results. This led to a conflict known as the First Honduran Civil War. After this conflict, Rafael López Gutiérrez became president in another election.
End of His Presidency
Rafael López Gutiérrez served as President of Honduras for about four years. He tried to stay in power longer than the constitution allowed. This caused more political unrest in the country. He was forced to leave office on March 10, 1924.
He passed away shortly after, on March 16, 1924, in Amapala, Honduras. He had been suffering from diabetes. He had tried to travel to the United States to get treatment, but he was unable to make the trip.
See also
In Spanish: Rafael López Gutiérrez para niños
