Biography

D. Jose de Marcoleta was a leader in gaining Nicaraguan independence and global recognition. He was in strong opposition to the American "filibusters" and violence in Latin America throughout his career. 

D. Marcoleta was born in Madrid, Spain in 1802. In 1820 he entered school studying politics and diplomacy; he was then sent to St. Petersburg Russia but was quickly brought home due to illness. In 1832, per the request of Spain's government, Jose became the Nicaraguan delegate in Great Britain arguing for recognition of Nicaraguan sovereignty. D. Marcoleta was so successful that Nicaraguan diplomat Francisco Castellón returns to Nicaragua and suggests that Marcoleta be appointed as Charge d'Affaires of Nicaragua in France, England, Belgium and Holland. Through his work, Marcoleta helped gain huge support for Nicaragua as an sovereign nation. In a demonstration of gratitude, Jose de Marcoleta is given Nicaraguan citizenship in March 1846. 

In 1849, American became more interested in the resources of Nicaragua when a contract pipeline is signed between the government of Nicaragua and the American Atlantic and Pacific Ship Company. In April 1852, the American and British governments signed the Webster-Crampton proposals, which set the border between Nicaragua and Costa Rica at the San Juan River, losing Nicaragua the southern cost of the Great Lake. Outraged that an Nicaraguan envoy was not present at the agreement, Don Marcoleta hand copied the agreement and released it to the press, ultimately leading to the downfall of Secretary of State Daniel Webster. 

In response, the US Government refused communication with the Nicaraguan government for as long as Don Marcoleta was envoy. In November 1853, Jose Marcoleta resumes his duties as Minister of Nicaragua in the United States. The following years are filled with tension between Don J. Marcoleta and the US government. In 1854 Marcoleta demands an investigation into a ship he suspects is sending weapons and men to Nicaragua. In the same year he also opposes the hostile establishment of a colony on the Mosquito Coast in Nicaragua by Kinney and Fabens of the Central American Land and Mining Company. Possibly due in part to the illegal actions imported in to Nicaragua, civil war errupted in 1854. In 1855, the US government turned a blind eye to the  filibuster and conquest led by American lawyer William Walker. In 1856, President Franklin Pierce recognized Walker's regime as the legitimate government of Nicaragua. 

Starting in 1857, Don Marcoleta became a diplomat for countries in Europe. He died in Paris, France 1881