Ramón Castilla facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ramón Castilla y Marquesado
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 20th President of Peru | |
| In office February 17, 1844 – August 10, 1844 |
|
| Preceded by | Domingo Nieto |
| Succeeded by | Domingo Elías |
| 22nd President of Peru | |
| In office April 20, 1845 – April 20, 1851 |
|
| Preceded by | Manuel Menéndez |
| Succeeded by | José Rufino Echenique |
| In office January 5, 1855 – October 24, 1862 |
|
| Vice President | Juan Manuel de la Mar |
| Preceded by | José Rufino Echenique |
| Succeeded by | Miguel de San Román |
| Interim President of Peru (Revolution Self-proclaimed President) | |
| In office April 3, 1863 – April 9, 1863 |
|
| Preceded by | Miguel de San Román |
| Succeeded by | Pedro Diez Canseco |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 31, 1797 Tarapacá, Viceroyalty of Peru |
| Died | May 30, 1867 (aged 69) Tarapacá, Peru |
| Spouse | Francisca Diez Canseco |
| Profession | Soldier (Field marshal) |
Ramón Castilla y Marquesado (born August 31, 1797 – died May 30, 1867) was an important Peruvian leader. He served as President of Peru three times. He was also an interim president in 1863.
Castilla first became known for his role in the army that helped Peru become an independent nation. Later, he led the country when its economy grew a lot. This growth was thanks to the discovery of guano, which is bird droppings used as fertilizer. Castilla's time as president is remembered for ending slavery and making Peru a more modern country.
He became president for the first time for a short period in 1844. Then he served from 1845 to 1851. He was president again from 1855 to 1862. Finally, he had a brief time as president in 1863.
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
Castilla was born in Tarapacá, which was part of Peru at the time. His father was from Spain and Argentina, and his mother had some Aymara heritage. When he was 10, he moved to Lima to study. He later continued his education in Concepción, Chile.
In 1817, Castilla joined the Spanish army. This was during Peru's War of Independence. He fought against the forces trying to make Peru independent. These forces were led by the Argentine general José de San Martín.
Castilla was captured as a prisoner of war. But he managed to escape and returned to Peru in 1821. He left the Spanish Army and joined the Patriot Army. He was given the rank of lieutenant.
When San Martín stepped down as "Protector of Peru," Castilla supported José de la Riva Agüero. Riva Agüero briefly became president in 1823.
In 1824, the Peruvian Congress named Simón Bolívar the "Liberator of Peru." Castilla joined Bolívar's army. He fought in the important Battle of Ayacucho. This battle helped Peru win its independence from Spain. In 1825, he became governor of his home province of Tarapacá. Castilla married Francisca Diez Canseco in 1833.
Leading Peru During a Time of Change
In 1839, Castilla helped the Restorative Army win the battle of Yungay. This was during the War of the Confederation. He then became Minister of War and Minister of Finance under President Agustín Gamarra. As Finance Minister, Castilla helped Peru start making money from guano exports.
President Gamarra wanted to unite Bolivia with Peru. In 1841, he led an army into Bolivia. However, he was defeated and killed in the Battle of Ingavi. This left Peru without a leader. Many leaders tried to claim the presidency. Manuel Menéndez, the Vice President, took over. But he was overthrown in 1842.
Soon after, Castilla and Domingo Nieto defeated another leader, Manuel Ignacio de Vivanco. Nieto became president but died a few months later. Castilla then took over as president from February 17, 1844, to December 11, 1844. After defeating other leaders, Castilla brought Menéndez back as president. This helped Peru move towards a more stable government.
First Official Presidency (1845-1851)
In 1845, Castilla won the presidential elections. He became president in April of that year. During this time, the export of guano grew very quickly. This was largely due to agreements with a British company called Antony Gibbs & Sons. They sold the guano in Europe.
Important building projects also began. The first railroad in Peru was built from Lima to Callao. This helped transport guano from where it was collected to the ships.
After six years, Castilla was replaced by José Rufino Echenique. However, in 1854, Castilla led another uprising. He was encouraged by others who wanted to end slavery in Peru.
On December 3, 1854, a law was passed in Huancayo to abolish slavery. As this law was put into action, Castilla fought and defeated Echenique. This happened in the Battle of La Palma on January 5, 1855.
Second Official Presidency (1855-1862)
In 1859, Peru had a disagreement with neighboring Ecuador over land near the Amazon. Peru was successful in the conflict. However, Castilla could not reach a final agreement with Ecuador. This issue continued to be a problem for both countries for many years. It was finally settled in 1997.
In December 1860, a new constitution was created during Castilla's presidency. This constitution became Peru's main law until 1920. Castilla's second time as president was important for several reasons. He freed slaves and helped indigenous Peruvians. He also set up a new postal system and introduced a new constitution.
In 1862, Miguel de San Román became president after Castilla. But San Román died less than a year later. Castilla did not want to recognize Pedro Diez Canseco as the new president. Castilla tried to claim the presidency for himself. However, Diez Canseco became interim president from April to August 1863. He was then followed by Juan Antonio Pezet. Castilla served as the President of the Senate in 1864.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1864, Castilla spoke out against President Pezet's international policies. Because of this, he was arrested and sent away to Gibraltar. While he was away, the important Battle of Callao took place. This was Spain's last attempt to take back independent Peru, but they failed.
After returning to Peru, Castilla was again sent away, this time to Chile. This was ordered by President Mariano Ignacio Prado. In a final attempt to become president for a fifth time, Castilla, who was almost seventy years old, and his followers landed in Pisagua. They then headed into the Tiviliche desert. This last effort was too much for him. Castilla died in Tiviliche on May 30, 1867, during his final journey through southern Peru.
Castilla is remembered as a strong leader who helped shape modern Peru. He made important changes like ending slavery and improving the country's economy.
Images for kids
-
Ramón Castilla during his first presidency.
See also
In Spanish: Ramón Castilla para niños
