Fernando Belaunde Terry Peruvian politician Date of Birth: 07.10.1912 Country: Peru

1. Early Life and Education
2. Architectural Career
3. Political Beginnings
4. Presidential Campaigns and Opposition
5. Presidency and Accomplishments
6. Controversies and Overthrow

Early Life and Education

Fernando Belaúnde Terry was born into an aristocratic Spanish lineage in Lima, Peru. Following his family's opposition to the dictator Augusto Leguía, they faced repression and were forced to flee to France in 1924. There, Belaúnde received his primary and early university education.

Architectural Career

From 1930 to 1935, Belaúnde studied architecture in the United States. He attended the University of Miami, where his father taught, and later earned a degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Returning to Peru in 1936, he embarked on a professional career, designing private homes and founding the architecture journal "Arquitecto Peruano" in 1937.

Political Beginnings

Belaúnde's political career began in 1944 when he co-founded the National Democratic Front Party. The party played a role in bringing José Bustamante to power in 1945, and Belaúnde served in the Peruvian Parliament until Manuel Odría's coup in 1948.

Presidential Campaigns and Opposition

In 1956, Belaúnde ran for president but lost to Manuel Prado, who was supported by the dictatorship. Belaúnde remained in opposition and established the Popular Action Party, symbolized by a shovel in the colors of the Peruvian flag, reflecting his profession as an architect.

Presidency and Accomplishments

In 1962, Belaúnde was elected president after a military coup prevented his previous opponent from assuming office. His presidency was marked by significant infrastructure projects, including the construction of a vital highway connecting Chiclayo to the Pacific coast. He also implemented several irrigation projects and built hydroelectric plants.

Controversies and Overthrow

In August 1968, Belaúnde's administration reached a settlement with Standard Oil of New Jersey, now ExxonMobil. However, public outrage over the compensation paid to the company led to his government's resignation. The discovery and televised broadcast of a missing page from the agreement, bearing Belaúnde's signature, further fueled the anger. Days later, Belaúnde was overthrown in a military coup.