Arnulfo Arias

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Arnulfo Arias

Role / Field:

Panamanian politician who served multiple times as President of Panama.

Born:

1901-08-15

Died:

1988-08-10

Century / Era:

1901s Historical Era

Database Source:

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

Origins & Early Life

Arnulfo Arias Madrid (15 August 1901 – 10 August 1988) was a Panamanian politician, medical doctor, and writer who served as the President of Panama from 1940 to 1941, again from 1949 to 1951, and finally for 11 days in October 1968. Throughout his adult life, he warned about the increasing influence of the military in Panamanian politics and vowed to reduce that. In turn, he was denied his presidential electoral success in 1948 by the military. Arias's tenure as president was characterized by corruption, nepotism and autocratic practices. In 1951, Arias sought to restore the 1941 constitution and threatened to disband the Panama legislature, which prompted protests.

Career & Major Achievements

The legislature impeached Arias, who was succeeded by Alcibiades Arosemena. He was removed from the presidency thrice by the military. Arnulfo Arias Madrid was born in Penonomé, Coclé Province, on 15 August 1901. He was the son of Antonio Arias and Carmen Madrid, and the brother of Harmodio Arias, who also served as the President of Panama for 13 days in January 1931 and again from 1932 to 1936. Arias began his studies at the French Christian Brothership (today known as La Salle) in his native city and attended secondary school in New York City.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He studied medicine and surgery at Harvard University and the University of Chicago. Later, he specialized in psychiatry, obstetrics and endocrinology. In 1925, Arias returned to Panama and assumed leadership of the nationalistic organization Patriotic Communal Action. This organization tapped into a building current of discontent in Panama against the considerable influence the United States exerted on the country. It formed the nucleus of the present-day Panameñista Party.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1901 (1901-08-15): Birth of Arnulfo Arias — Panamanian politician who served multiple times as President of Panama.
2. 1925: 1925 Milestone — In 1925, Arias returned to Panama and assumed leadership of the nationalistic organization Patriotic Communal Action.
3. 1931: 1931 Milestone — He was the son of Antonio Arias and Carmen Madrid, and the brother of Harmodio Arias, who also served as the President of Panama for 13 days in January 1931 and again from 1932 to 1936.
4. 1948: 1948 Milestone — In turn, he was denied his presidential electoral success in 1948 by the military.
5. 1951: 1951 Milestone — In 1951, Arias sought to restore the 1941 constitution and threatened to disband the Panama legislature, which prompted protests.
6. 1988 (1988-08-10): Passing & Historical Legacy — Arnulfo Arias passed away on 1988-08-10, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Arnulfo Arias

True or False: “Arnulfo Arias was never removed from the presidency by military action during his lifetime.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): He was famously ousted from the presidency three separate times by military or police actions.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Arnulfo Arias