Francisco Linares Alcántara was born on 13 April 1825, in Turmero, Aragua to General Francisco de Paula Alcántara and Trinidad Linares.

[1] Francisco Linares Alcántara later married to Belén Esteves Yánes,[citation needed] who served as First Lady of Venezuela from 1877 to 1878.

Due to the political instability in Venezuela from 1847 to 1858, Alcántara also fought to defend state institutions during the administrations of Jose Tadeo Monagas and Jose Gregorio Monagas.

[1] By 1854, he became a deputy to the National Congress from the state of Aragua[2] before fighting again during the Federal War (1858–1863) and along with Antonio Guzman Blanco for the Liberal cause between 1868 and 1870.

[3] Alcántara was elected president in February 1877 and his administration became known for its liberal policies such as more autonomy given to the states, political amnesties, and increased freedom of the press.