Arce, Manuel José

Arce, Manuel José mämwĕlˈ hōsāˈ ärˈsā [key], d. 1847, Central American statesman, first president of the Central American Federation, 1825–29. Prominent in the revolution against Spain (1821) and in his opposition to the incorporation of Central American in Mexico, he was elected president by the Liberals. He subsequently deserted his party and ruled arbitrarily with the support of the Conservatives. He was overthrown by Francisco Morazán.

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