Manuel Jose Arce Statesman and military leader of Central America, President of the United Provinces of Central America from 1825 to 1829, Date of Birth: 01.01.1787 Country: Brazil

1. Early Life and First Independence Movements
2. Post-Independence Roles and Presidential Term
3. Civil War and Downfall

Early Life and First Independence Movements

José Manuel Arcewas a prominent Central American statesman and military leader. He played a pivotal role in the independence movement and served as the first President of the United Provinces of Central America.

Arce joined the Central American independence movementalongside his uncle, José Matías Delgado. He participated in the first uprising for independence on November 5, 1811, in San Salvador. The rebels held control of Salvador for nearly a month before royal authority was restored. Arce also took part in the second uprising, which began on January 22, 1814. His role in the liberation movement led to his imprisonment from 1815 to 1818.

Post-Independence Roles and Presidential Term

After Mexico gained independence from Spain, Arce opposed Emperor Agustín Iturbide.When Salvador declared its separation from the Mexican Empire, Arce, as a colonel, was appointed commander-in-chief of the national army. In 1822, Mexican troops occupied Salvador, forcing Arce to flee to the United States. While in Washington, he proposed that Salvador be incorporated into the United States.

Upon his return to Central America in 1823, Arce was elected to the triumvirate of the United Provinces.He served in this capacity from March 15 to October 20, 1824, and successfully suppressed a rebellion in Nicaragua. On April 29, 1825, Arce was elected as the first President of the United Provinces.However, he faced challenges in balancing the interests of liberals and conservatives. Despite initially being a liberal, he made concessions to conservatives, angering liberals.

Civil War and Downfall

Influenced by conservatives, Arce overthrew the liberal President Juan Burrundia on October 13, 1826, and established direct rule over Guatemala.This act sparked a civil war that lasted from 1826 to 1829. On April 13, 1829, he resigned as President, handing over power to Francisco Morazán.

Arce attempted to return to power with the support of conservatives in 1831 and 1833 but was defeated both times by Francisco Morazán.In 1840, he participated in the Salvadoran presidential election but lost. In 1842, he attempted to lead a revolt against President Juan Guzmán but was defeated and forced into exile.

Arce was later allowed to return home but died in poverty in San Salvador on September 14, 1847.The city of Ciudad Arce in Salvador was named in his honor in 1947.