Juan Pablo Rojas | |
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President of Venezuela | |
In office 2 July 1888 – 19 March 1890 | |
Preceded by | Hermógenes López |
Succeeded by | Raimundo Andueza Palacio |
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela | |
In office 26 January 1855 – 7 February 1855 | |
President | Joaquín Herrera |
In office 24 February 1869 – 31 July 1869 | |
President | José Ruperto Monagas |
In office 6 December 1869 – 27 January 1870 | |
President | José Ruperto Monagas |
Minister of Finance of Venezuela | |
In office 1879–1884 | |
Preceded by | Diego Jugo Ramírez |
Succeeded by | Francisco Rivas Castillo |
In office 1887–1887 | |
Preceded by | Fulgencio M. Carias |
Succeeded by | Pedro Ramos |
In office 1899–1899 | |
Preceded by | Santos Escobar |
Succeeded by | Ramón Tello Mendoza |
Personal details | |
Born | 26 November 1826 Caracas,Gran Colombia |
Died | 22 July 1905(1905-07-22) (aged 78) Caracas,United States of Venezuela |
Political party | Liberal Party |
Spouse | Josefa de la Concepción Báez |
Signature | ![]() |
Juan Pablo Rojas Paúl (26 November 1826 – 22 July 1905) was thepresident of Venezuela from 1888 to 1890. He was the first civilian president who was elected by constitutional procedures in 50 years, and the only one who could finish his term properly, until 74 years later.
He was theMinister of Finance from 1879 to 1884 and in 1887.[1]
Rojas took over the presidency fromHermógenes López, who had served as an interim president afterAntonio Guzmán (who was three times president) finally stepped down. Rojas tried to reconcile the followers of Guzmán andJoaquín Crespo, confronted at that time. During the Rojas administration there were violent demonstrations against Guzmán in the capital and other regions of Venezuela. These events precipitated a break of the Rojas administration with Guzmán, who sought to continue ruling indirectly from Paris.The Rojas administration had to face an uprising led by Crespo. After the rebellion was crushed, Crespo had to go into exile.
Breaking with Guzmán's anti-clerical policy, Rojas brought French nuns to the country, helped the establishment of congregations, also built and remodeled many religious buildings. Rojas authorized the creation of science faculties, churches, national schools inMaracaibo andBarquisimeto.He inaugurated the submarine cable betweenLa Guaira, theAntilles and Europe, the works of the painterMartín Tovar y Tovar at theSalón Elíptico (Elliptical Room) of the National Capitol. During his period, was published the bookGreat geographical, historical and statistics compilation of Venezuela authored by General Manuel Landaeta Rosales. In 1888 Rojas founded the National History Academy.
His two years in the presidency were marked by an economic bonanza, of which he took advantage to invest in public works. After his presidency, he was againMinister of Finance in 1899.[1]
He died inCaracas in 1905, at the age of 78.
Juan Pablo Rojas Paúl was married to María Josefa de la Concepción Báez, who served asFirst Lady of Venezuela from 1888 until 1890.[citation needed]
Political offices | ||
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Preceded by | President of Venezuela 2 July 1888 – 19 March 1890 | Succeeded by |
Preceded by | 40thMinister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela 26 January 1855-7 February 1855 | Succeeded by |
Preceded by | 79th Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela 24 February 1869 – 31 July 1869 | Succeeded by |
Preceded by | 81st Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela 6 December 1869 – 27 January 1870 | Succeeded by |