Manuel de Arzú y Delgado de Nájera

Born in Mexico in 1775. He studied at "Colegio de Nobles" in Madrid, Spain. After graduation, he was artillery colonel in the Spanish army.

In 1808, he did fight against the occupation forces of Joseph Bonaparte, on the fight to liberate the Kingdom of Castile and Catalonia.

In 1810 he returned to Guatemala, where he received a post in the colonial administration.

During the annexation to the Mexican Empire of Agustín de Iturbide (July 21, 1822 to March 19, 1823). El Salvador is against the annexation. Mexico send Brigadier Gabino Gainza to take over El Salvador.

In April 1822 General Manuel Arzú, in command of Guatemalan troops supporting Mexico, occupied the cities of Santa Ana, El Salvador, and Sonsonate. On June 3, 1822, Arzú entered San Salvador, reaching the Plaza Mayor. Nine hours of fighting resulted in many casualties and burned houses. Colonel Arce was one of the commanders of the Salvadoran defenders.

Between October 10, 1824 - April 22, 1825, Manuel Arzú was commander in chief of the province Nicaragua in the Central American Confederation.

Manuel José Arce become president of the Central American Confederation. (29 April 1825- 16 Feb 1828), and named General Manuel Arzú, Finance, War and Navy Minister. Later he was commander in chief in the province of Guatemala, during that time, he founded the first military school.

During 1827 and 1828, The province of El Salvador was not supporting the Central American Federation, even when Arce (Salvadorian) was its president. In February 29, 1828 - General Manuel Arzú, in command of Guatemalan troops takes over Chalchuapa, In March 12, 1828 Arzú attacks San Salvador, but was defeated.