Joaquín de San Martín y Ulloa (1770 – 29 November 1854) was a Salvadoran military officer and politician who served as the 5th and 7th Head of State of El Salvador between 1832 and 1834. His leadership was defined by the suppression of the Nonualco indigenous uprising and a complex political relationship with federal General Francisco Morazán.
Early life San Martín was born in Comayagua, Honduras, in 1770. He began his career as a lieutenant of dragoons in Yoro and served in administrative posts in Tegucigalpa and Nacaome. In 1819, he moved permanently to El Salvador with his wife, Joaquina Fugón. By 1824, he was established as a prominent landowner in the Chalatenango region and was elected as a deputy for Tejutla and Chalatenango.
Military and Political Career San Martín joined the Salvadoran army, eventually rising to the rank of Colonel. He served as a magistrate of the Court of Justice from 1824 to 1830.
First Term as Head of State (1832) In 1832, San Martín was elected vice-chief of state under Mariano Prado. However, due to political upheavals involving federal intervention, he exercised the functions of the 5th Head of State from 13 May 1832 until 25 July 1832, at which point Prado returned to power.
Second Term and the Nonualco Revolt (1833–1834) San Martín assumed office as the 7th Head of State on 1 July 1833. His most significant domestic challenge was the massive Nonualco indigenous revolt led by Anastasio Aquino. San Martín took decisive military action to suppress the uprising, eventually capturing and executing Aquino. On 13 February 1833, he decreed a general amnesty for the rebel Indians to stabilize the region.
His second term was also marked by friction with General Francisco Morazán. Although the two signed a reconciliation agreement in April 1833, the federal Congress eventually annulled San Martín's election. On 23 June 1834, he was forced from office by General Carlos Salazar Castro, who was imposed by Morazán.
Exile and Later Years Following his ousting, San Martín was sentenced to two years of exile and his property was confiscated. Upon his return, he served in the constituent congress of 1840–1841. He was elected Vice President of El Salvador in 1840 under President Antonio José Cañas. In September 1841, he distinguished himself as a defender of constitutional law when he opposed the coup d'état staged by General Francisco Malespín.
Personal life and Death San Martín died on 29 November 1854 at his hacienda, Amayo, at the age of 84. He was the father of José María San Martín, who would later serve as the President of independent El Salvador in the 1850s.
References
External links Official Biography - Casa Presidencial