Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Alfonso López Pumarejo

Role / Field:

Colombian politician and economist, known for progressive reforms and serving two non-consecutive presidential terms.

Born:

1886-01-31

Died:

1959-11-20

Century / Era:

1886s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Alfonso López Pumarejo (31 January 1886 – 20 November 1959) was a Colombian journalist, economist, politician, and diplomat who served as the 16th and 18th president of Colombia, serving from 1934 to 1938 and from 1942 to 1945. He is the second Colombian president to serve two non-consecutive terms and the second Colombian president to resign from office after Rafael Núñez in 1888. Born in Honda, Tolima, López is a prominent leader of the Liberal Party in Tolima. During his first presidency, he spearheaded the "Revolution in March," which promoted state modernization, social justice, and constitutional reform.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He also championed secular education, free from state and church interference. During the course of his two presidencies, a wide range of progressive reforms were carried out in areas such as working conditions, social security, and housing. Alfonso López Pumarejo was born in Honda (Tolima) to Pedro Aquilino López Medina, a businessman and Rosario Pumarejo Cotes. Alfonso López Pumarejo went on to study at the London School of Economics. His son, Alfonso López Michelsen, was president of Colombia between 1974 and 1978.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The first administration of Alfonso López...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Abraham Flexner — Contemporary (Died in 1959) (1959): Pioneering American educator known for reforming US and Canadian medical and higher education.
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• 1886 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1886
• January 31 (01-31) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on January 31
• 1959 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1959
• November 20 (11-20) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on November 20

Frequently Asked Questions about Alfonso López Pumarejo