Córdova, Jorge (1822–1861)

Jorge Córdova (b. 1822; d. 23 October 1861), president of Bolivia (1855–1857). Córdova's parents remain unknown. He joined the army of Andrés de Santa Cruz as an ordinary soldier and rose rapidly in rank. Córdova's marriage to the daughter of President Manuel Isidoro Belzú facilitated his entrance into politics.

Córdova succeeded his father-in-law as president. The transferal of power from Belzú to Córdova was the first peaceful one in Bolivia's history. Although Córdova was elected, he was overthrown by a military revolt and escaped to Peru. He returned to Bolivia several years later as a private citizen and died violently in the Massacre de Yáñez, which marred the presidency of José María Achá.

Córdova had a reputation as a man of pleasure. As president he was fair and unpretentious and desperately tried to foster internal peace, tolerance, and cooperation among the political factions. These activities consumed so much of his time that little of substance was accomplished during his tenure.

See alsoBolivia: Since 1825 .

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Moisés Ascarrunz, De siglo a siglo: Hombres célebres de Bolivia (1920).

Alcides Arguedas, La plebe en acción, in Obras Completas, vol. 2 (1959).

Additional Bibliography

Peralta Ruiz, Victory, and Marta Irurozqui. Por la concordia, la fusión y el unitarismo: Estado y caudillismo en Bolivia, 1825–1880. Madrid: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 2000.

                                      Charles W. Arnade