Leguía, Augusto Bernardino [key], 1863–1932, president of Peru (1908–12, 1919–30). In his second administration Leguía promulgated a new constitution (1920), expanded and developed Lima, and considerably modernized his country, but increased the national debt and suppressed all opposition harshly. In 1929 the Tacna-Arica Controversy with Chile, which had begun in 1883, was finally resolved, but Leguía was bitterly criticized for accepting the compromise. Coupled with the economic depression, his financial dealings, and his harsh rule, the reaction brought about his overthrow. He was charged with misappropriating government funds and imprisoned.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
See more Encyclopedia articles on: Peru History: Biographies
