Francisco Morazán

Liberal leader who fought to preserve the Central American federation.

Life

Liberals

Morazán was a Honduran Liberal soldier and politician. The Federal Republic of Central America, established after independence, was beset by civil wars; in 1829 he led Liberal forces in capturing Guatemala City.

Union president

In 1830 he was elected federal president and carried out Liberal reforms such as separation of church and state, secular education and religious freedom, and was re-elected once. Opposition from conservatives and local powers led to the federation's dissolution between 1838 and 1841.

Execution

In 1842 he tried to rebuild the federation from Costa Rica, but was arrested by his opponents and promptly shot.

Legacy

Morazán is regarded as the symbol of Central American unification, and a department of Honduras is named after him.

Did you know? Before his execution he left a will expressing his hope that Central America would be reunited.

Key dates

• 1829Captures Guatemala City
• 1830Elected federal president
• 1838The federation begins to break up
• 1842Executed in Costa Rica