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Rafael Peña de Flores | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 11thVice President of Bolivia | |
First Vice President | |
| In office 19 August 1896 – 12 April 1889 Serving with Jenaro Sanjinés | |
| President | Severo Fernández |
| Preceded by | Severo Fernández |
| Succeeded by | Lucio Pérez Velasco |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 23 October 1822 |
| Died | 28 June 1901(1901-06-28) (aged 78) Sucre, Bolivia |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Parents |
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| Alma mater | University of Saint Francis Xavier |
Rafael Peña de Flores (23 October 1822 – 28 June 1901) was aBolivianlawyer,teacher,naturalist, and politician who served as the 11thvice president of Bolivia from 1896 to 1899. He served as first vice president alongside second vice presidentJenaro Sanjinés during the administration ofSevero Fernández.
Rafael Peña de Flores was born on 23 October 1822 inSanta Cruz. He was the son of Mariano Peña and Petrona Flores. Around 1850, he studied law at theUniversity of Saint Francis Xavier before becoming a professor ofmathematics and natural history at the College of Arts and Sciences, now known as the Florida National College, in Santa Cruz.
He served twice as prefect of Santa Cruz. Later, he was elected Senator for thedepartment of Santa Cruz and frequently performed municipal functions, exercising the presidency of the Santa Cruz Municipal Council on more than one occasion. Sympathetic to the revolutionary ideas ofJosé María Linares, he suffered persecution following Linares' overthrow in 1861.[1] In late 1865, he led a popular revolt against the military government ofMariano Melgarejo which ended in virtual disaster and his exile and asylum inParaguay, a countryat war with neighboring powers at the time.
In the general election of 1896, he was nominated for the office of first vice president by Severo Fernández. Both, along with second vice presidential candidate Jenaro Sanjinés, won the election taking office on 19 August 1896.[2] Upon the outbreak of theFederal War, which saw the end of almost two decades ofConservative rule, Peña exercised the acting presidency while Fernández commanded the army.
Ultimately, the Conservatives were ousted from government by theLiberal forces ofJosé Manuel Pando on 12 April 1889.
| Political offices | ||
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| Preceded by | Vice President of Bolivia First Vice President 1896–1890 Served alongside:Jenaro Sanjinés | Succeeded by |