Justo José de Urquiza

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Justo José de Urquiza
Justo José de Urquiza

In office
March 5, 1854 – March 5, 1860
Vice President Salvador M. del Carril
Preceded by Vicente López y Planes
Succeeded by Santiago Derqui

17º,21º,22º&24º Governor of Entre Ríos
In office
1 May 1868 – 11 April 1870
Preceded by José María Domínguez
Succeeded by Ricardo López Jordán
In office
1 May 1860 – 1 May 1864
Preceded by --
Succeeded by José María Domínguez
In office
7 April 1842 – 11 September 1852
Preceded by Francisco Dionisio Álvarez
Succeeded by --
In office
1 – 29 January 1842
Preceded by Vicente Zapata
Succeeded by Pedro Pablo Seguí

Governor of Buenos Aires
In office
26 July – 4 September 1852
Preceded by Vicente López y Planes
Succeeded by José Miguel Galán

Born October 18, 1801
Talar de Arroyo Largo, Entre Ríos
Died April 11, 1870
San José Palace, Entre Ríos
Nationality Argentinian
Political party Federalist

Justo José de Urquiza y García (October 18, 1801 – April 11, 1870) was an Argentine general and politician. He was president of the Argentine Confederation from 1854 to 1860.

As the caudillo of Entre Ríos, Urquiza helped sustain the power of Juan Manuel de Rosas. In 1851, resentful of the economic and political dominance of Buenos Aires, he revolted against his chief. Supported by Brazil and the Uruguayan liberals, he forced Manuel Oribe to capitulate, ending the long siege of Montevideo in October 1851, and finally defeating Rosas on 3 February 1852 at the Battle of Caseros.

Urquiza immediately began the task of national organization. He became provisional director of the Argentine Confederation in May 1852. In 1853, a constituent assembly adopted a constitution based primarily on the ideas of Juan Bautista Alberdi, and Urquiza was inaugurated president in March 1854.

During his administration, foreign relations were improved, public education was encouraged, colonization was promoted, and plans for railroad construction was initiated. His work of national organization was, however, hindered by the opposition of Buenos Aires, which seceded from the Confederation. Open war broke out in 1859. Urquiza defeated the provincial army led by Bartolomé Mitre in October 1859, and Buenos Aires agreed to re-enter the Confederation.

Constitutional amendments proposed by Buenos Aires were adopted in 1860 but the settlement was short-lived, and further difficulties culminated in civil war. Urquiza met the army of Buenos Aires, again led by Mitre, in September 1861. The battle was indecisive, but Urquiza withdrew from the field, leaving the victory with Mitre. He retired to San José Palace, his residence in Entre Ríos, where he ruled until he was assassinated at age 69 (along with his sons Justo and Waldino) by followers of dissident and political rival Ricardo López Jordán.

Palacio San José, home of federalist caudillo Urquiza
Palacio San José, home of federalist caudillo Urquiza
Bust of Urquiza, by sculptor Erminio Blotta, in Rosario, Argentina
Bust of Urquiza, by sculptor Erminio Blotta, in Rosario, Argentina
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Preceded by
Vicente López y Planes
President of Argentina
18541860
Succeeded by
Santiago Derqui