Crespo, Joaquín (1845–1898)

Joaquín Crespo (b. 1845; d. 1898), Venezuelan president (1884–1886, 1892–1898). Crespo, a tough young llanero, joined the Liberal side in the Federal War (1859–1863) and, as a loyal supporter of Antonio Guzmán Blanco, became his minister of war (1877–1878). In 1879, as a reward for his loyalty to the dictator, Crespo was given the title "Hero of Duty Done." From 1884 to 1886 Crespo served as figurehead president for Guzmán Blanco, and in 1888 he ran unsuccessfully for president. From 1892 to 1894 he served as interim president after seizing power in a caudillo rebellion. His constitutional presidency (1894–1898) corresponded with an economic slump and with clashes with Great Britain over the border with British Guiana. Crespo is credited with initiatives to professionalize the national army. After his presidential term was completed, he led the forces of the new regime of General Ignacio Andrade against a rebellion headed by José Manuel ("El Mocho") Hernández. In one of its first engagements Crespo was killed in battle.

See alsoVenezuela: Venezuela since 1830 .

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Robert L. Gilmore, Caudillism and Militarism in Venezuela, 1810–1910 (1964).

Ramón J. Velásquez, La caída del liberalismo amarillo (1972).

Judith Ewell, Venezuela: A Century of Change (1984).

Additional Bibliography

Velásquez, Ramón J. Joaquín Crespo (1841–1898): El último caudillo liberal. Caracas, Venezuela: Editora El Nacional, 2005.

                                         Winfield J. Burggraaff