Rafael Carrera
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José Rafael Carrera Turcios (24 October 1814 Guatemala City – 14 April 1865 Guatemala City) was the ruler of Guatemala from about 1839 until his death. He was the first President of Guatemala, representing the Conservatives, on two occasions: from 4 December 1844 to 16 August 1848, and from 6 November 1851 - 14 April 1865 (from the adoption of the 1851 constitution until his death).
In the 1830s Rafael Carrera was an illiterate but shrewd and charismatic swineherd turned highwayman, pledged a vendetta against Central American president Francisco Morazán and the Federal government after undisciplined Federal soldiers killed some of his relatives. Local conservative factions at first tried to use Carrera for their own ends, but by 1838 Carrera became de facto ruler of much of Guatemala. Morazán repeatedly chased Carrera's forces out of cities and towns, but Carrera's followers would retake places as soon as Morazán's army left.
The Carrera revolt inspired other Conservatives to revolt, and soon Central America was at civil war. Carrera was instrumental in leading the revolt against the Federal government and breaking apart the Central American Union (or Federal Republic of Central America). Carrera dominated Guatemala through 1865, backed by conservatives, large land owners, and the church.
On 21 October 1854 he adopted the title "President for Life".
His rivalry with Gerardo Barrios, President of El Salvador, resulted in open war in 1863. At Coatepeque the Guatemalans suffered a severe defeat, which was followed by a truce. Honduras now joined with Salvador, and Nicaragua and Costa Rica with Guatemala. The contest was finally settled in favor of Carrera, who besieged and occupied San Salvador and made himself dominant also in Honduras and Nicaragua. During the rest of his rule, which lasted till his death in April 1865, he continued to act in concert with the Clerical party, and endeavoured to maintain friendly relations with the European governments. Carreras successor was General Vicente Cerna Sandoval, who had been recommended by him for election.
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| Preceded by (none) |
President of Guatemala 1851–1865 |
Succeeded by Pedro de Aycinena |
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