Tomás Regalado (Salvadoran politician) Facts for Kids

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal family name is Regalado and the second or maternal family name is Romero.

Quick facts for kids Tomás Regalado


20th President of El Salvador
In office 14 November 1898 – 1 March 1903 Provisional: 14 November 1898 – 1 March 1899
Vice President	Francisco Antonio Reyes
Preceded by	Rafael Antonio Gutiérrez
Succeeded by	Pedro José Escalón
Minister of National Defense
In office 1 March 1903 – 11 July 1906
Preceded by	Fernando Figueroa
Succeeded by	Fernando Figueroa

Personal details
Born	(1860-11-07)7 November 1860 Santa Ana El Salvador
Died	11 July 1906(1906-07-11) (aged 45) Jutiapa Guatemala
Political party	Liberal
Spouse	Concepción González Fortis
Signature
Military service
Allegiance	El Salvador
Branch/service	Salvadoran Army
Rank	General
Battles/wars	First Totoposte War Revolution of the 44 1898 Salvadoran coup d'état Second Totoposte War Third Totoposte War †

General Tomás Herculano de Jesús Regalado Romero (born November 7, 1861, in Santa Ana, El Salvador) was a very important leader in El Salvador. He became the President of El Salvador on November 14, 1898, and served until March 1, 1903.

Tomás Regalado was a military general. He became president after a change in government, replacing Rafael Antonio Gutiérrez. Interestingly, he had helped Gutiérrez become president just four years earlier.

During his time as president, he worked on many projects to improve the country. He started building railways to make travel and trade easier. He also allowed people who had left the country for political reasons to return safely. One of his notable projects was starting the construction of the beautiful Santa Ana Theater.

Life and Career of Tomás Regalado
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Life and Career of Tomás Regalado

Early Life and Rise to Power

Tomás Regalado was born in Santa Ana, El Salvador. He grew up to become a respected general in the Army of El Salvador. He was involved in important events that shaped El Salvador's history.

He played a key role in the "Revolution of the 44." This event helped remove the previous president, Carlos Ezeta. After this, he supported Rafael Antonio Gutiérrez in becoming president.

However, in 1898, Regalado himself took control of the government. This change led to him becoming the new president. He was then officially elected for a four-year term in 1899.

Key Achievements as President

As president, Tomás Regalado focused on making El Salvador stronger. He believed in improving the country's infrastructure. The construction of new railways was a big step forward for transportation.

He also showed a desire for peace within the country. He offered a special pardon to political exiles. This meant people who had left El Salvador because of political disagreements could come back home without fear.

Another important project was the beginning of the Santa Ana Theater. This building was meant to be a place for arts and culture. It showed his commitment to more than just politics and military matters.

Later Years and Legacy

After his term as president ended in 1903, Tomás Regalado remained active. He was appointed as the Minister of War by the new president, Pedro José Escalón. This showed that he still had a lot of influence and respect.

In 1906, El Salvador was involved in a conflict with Guatemala. General Regalado led Salvadoran forces into battle. Sadly, he was seriously injured during this war and passed away on July 11, 1906.

His actions as president had a big impact on Central America. His government's decision to leave the Greater Republic of Central America led to its end. This was a group of Central American countries that had tried to unite.

Tomás Regalado was one of the last presidents in El Salvador to gain power through military force in the 1800s. His peaceful transfer of power to Pedro José Escalón in 1903 was important. It helped bring more political stability to El Salvador for many years. This period of calm lasted until the early 1930s.