Manuel Prado Ugarteche served two distinct terms as President of Peru, navigating the country through the volatility of the Second World War and the subsequent tensions of the Cold War. His political career, spanning from the early 20th century until his final exile in Paris, was marked by significant transitions in governance and economic administration.
Early Education and Professional Beginnings
Born in Lima in 1889, Prado came from a prominent political background as the son of General Mariano Ignacio Prado. He pursued a rigorous academic path, attending the Colegio de la Inmaculada before advancing to the National University of San Marcos. In 1910, he earned a doctorate, followed by a civil engineering degree from the National University of Engineering in 1911. His early professional life included a tenure as a university teacher, where he instructed students in infinitesimal analysis at the Faculty of Sciences.
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Prado entered the legislative arena as a member of the Chamber of Deputies of Peru in 1919. His early involvement in national politics often intersected with the military, notably during the 1914 coup against Guillermo Billinghurst. After a period of exile in Europe, he shifted his focus toward national finance. From 1934 to 1939, he served as the president of the Central Reserve Bank of Peru, a position that solidified his influence within the country’s economic infrastructure prior to his first presidential bid.
First Presidential Term
Assuming the presidency in 1939, Prado led Peru during the Second World War. His administration is noted for its victory in the Ecuadorian-Peruvian War and for aligning Peru with the Allied powers, becoming the first South American nation to sever diplomatic ties with the Axis. Domestically, the war caused a decline in imports, which necessitated the growth of internal industries to satisfy local demand.
Second Government and Final Years
After a hiatus, Prado returned to the presidency in 1956, defeating Fernando Belaúnde in the national elections. His second term aligned Peru with the United States in the escalating Cold War. This administration concluded in 1962 following a military coup led by Ricardo Perez Godoy. Following his removal from office, Prado departed for Paris, where he resided until his death in 1967. His remains were subsequently returned to Peru for interment at the Presbítero Matias Maestro cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1889, Lima
- Died: 1967, Paris
- President of Peru: 1939–1945, 1956–1962
- Education: National University of Engineering, National University of San Marcos
- Profession: Engineer, Banker, Politician
- Languages: Spanish, French
- Final Resting Place: Presbítero Matias Maestro
Questions readers ask
How many times was Manuel Prado Ugarteche president?
He served two terms, the first from 1939 to 1945 and the second from 1956 to 1962.
What was his professional background before politics?
He was trained as a civil engineer and also worked as a mathematician, university teacher, and president of the Central Reserve Bank of Peru.
