Manuel Isidoro Belzu
Manuel Isidoro Belzu | |
|---|---|
Portrait by Antonio Villavicencio, Museo de Charcas, Sucre | |
| 11th President of Bolivia | |
| In office 6 December 1848 – 15 August 1855 Provisional: 6 December 1848 – 15 August 1850 | |
| Preceded by | José Miguel de Velasco (provisional) |
| Succeeded by | Jorge Córdova |
| Minister of War | |
| In office 4 February 1848 – 4 October 1848 | |
| President | José Miguel de Velasco |
| Preceded by | Eusebio Guilarte |
| Succeeded by | Felipe Álvarez |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Manuel Isidoro Belzu Humerez 14 April 1808 La Paz, Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata, Spanish Empire (now Bolivia) |
| Died | 23 March 1865 (aged 56) La Paz, Bolivia |
| Manner of death | Assassination |
| Spouse | Juana Manuela Gorriti |
| Children | 2 |
| Signature | |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Republic of Bolivia |
| Rank | Army General |
| Battles/wars |
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Manuel Isidoro Belzu Humérez (4 April 1808 – 27 March 1865) was a Bolivian military officer and statesman who served as the 11th president of Bolivia from 1848 to 1855. Under his presidency, the current national anthem and flag of Bolivia were adopted.
He came to power in 1848 after defeating incumbent president José Miguel de Velasco's forces in the Battle of Yamparaez. He defeated two insurrections in 1849, a third in 1853 and a fourth in 1854. He retired from the presidency in 1855 and was succeeded by his son-in-law, General Jorge Córdova. Córdova was overthrown in 1857 and assassinated in 1861. Belzu led two unsuccessful rebellions against the new government in 1862 and 1864-1865 before being killed in 1865.