Tomás Guardia

Tomás Guardia Gutiérrez was a prominent figure in Costa Rican history, serving as the country's de facto leader from 1870 to 1882. While his government curtailed liberties and increased national debt, it also oversaw significant growth in coffee and sugar exports and a notable expansion of schools. During Guardia's rule, a new constitution was adopted in 1871, which, with a brief interruption, remained in effect until 1949. His administration also supported the development of crucial infrastructure, including railways to connect the central valley with seaports, a project largely driven by American entrepreneur Minor C. Keith. This era also saw the beginnings of the banana industry, which would later become a major source of foreign exchange for Costa Rica.12