In 1848 Rocafuentes is chosen as president of Colombia and Jose Hilario Lopez is chosen vice-president. The state of health of Rocafuentes is precarious and in February of 1849 he dies. Lopez assumes as president and Jose Tadeo Monagas are chosen like his vice-president. The Lopez and Monagas initiate a series of reforms that include a greater autonomy to the departments, the abolition of the slavery in 1851 and the definitive elimination of the charges. The administration of Lopez also initiates the construction of the railroad of Panama in 1850, which will finish being constructed in 1854.