REPUBLIC OF ECUADOR

General Juan Jose Flores moved from Venezuela to Ecuador with Bolivar's army. In the fight for independence he became a national hero. Though he came from humble beginnings and had little education his life in Ecuador was privileged. He married a member of the Quito aristocracy, was accepted into the upper class of Sierra landowners and served as Governor while Ecuador was part of Gran Colombia.

Juan Jose was merciless in his pursuit of power and personal gain. His main political rival was General Antonio Jose de Sucre, victor of the Battle of Pichincha. Antonio had been living in retirement in Quito, when he was asked to serve as president of the Congress to reunite Gran Colombia. When the congress failed Gran Colombia was dissolved and Antonio headed home to Quito.

Juan Jose was 30 years old, but he knew what he wanted and acted quickly. First he sent assassins to kill Antonio then he called an assembly to declare the Republic of Ecuador a new nation and himself the first president.

Simon Bolívar words shortly before his death would illustrate the Republic of Ecuador.

The country was divided into two factions the Sierra's wealthy landowners and the coastal merchants. The differences were not limited to geography. The contrasts in economics and social attitudes created the rift in the country. The Sierra conservative hacienda owners' lived in the valleys of the Andes Mountains isolated from the outside world. Their economic interests were dominated by the need for strict management of the native labor. They were devout followers of the Catholic Church and supported church sponsored religious education for all. In contrast the coastal people were liberals who favored free enterprise, development of agricultural exports and other trades. They were opposed to the church's involvement in state matters.

Tensions grew between factions and civil war broke out. Each side wanted a president who reflected their politics. Unable to decide on one leader the country reached a compromise whereby the presidency would alternate between Juan Jose (the conservative choice) and Vicente Rocafuerte (the liberal choice).

Vicente served as President between 1835-1839 promoting civil liberties and establishing public schools. Juan Jose controlled the army and maintained a great amount of power from behind the scenes. Juan Jose returned to office in 1839, his goals were the building a strong military and securing power for himself. Vicente returned to Guayaquil as provincial governor waiting his next term. Despite the earlier agreement Juan Jose drafted an amendment to the constitution permitting him to retain the presidency in 1843.

Vicente was exiled to Peru and the country fell into the hands of Juan Jose and his fellow Venezuelan and Colombian soldiers. A young student, Gabriel Garcia Moreno, attempted to assassinate Juan Jose as discontent spread throughout the nation. Eventually the coastal liberals revolted and forced Juan Jose into exile. But even exile did not curb his hunger for power. For 15 years the country struggled with his attempts to overthrow the government from abroad.

Those years became some of the country's most turbulent and conflicts grew. Several regions seceded from the central government. Ecuador looked like it was about to come to an end. But even during this time of turmoil there were positive changes. Life for the indigenous population had worsened since the country gained independence from Spain. During these years the first laws were passed benefiting these people. Ecuador's slaves were liberated and the three centuries of required "tribute" payments were ended.

Building of the Nation

In 1859 when the southern provinces of Ecuador had been ceded to Peru a dramatic change was required to save the country. A strong leader was needed and Gabriel Garcia Moreno became that leader. He mended his differences with Juan Jose (who he had tried to kill years earlier), forced the Peruvians out and began uniting the country.

Gabriel was from a modest family in Guayaquil. He moved to Quito for school and married one of the local elite. In 1848 after the revolt, which banished Juan Jose, he left Ecuador to study theology in Europe. Those years in Europe would have a lasting effect on both him and Ecuador.

Historian Frederick B Pike depicted Gabriel's presidency as: 

One of the most controversial figures in Ecuador's history, Gabriel is considered by liberals as history's worst tyrants while conservatives consider him a great "nation-builder".

He relied on the Catholic Church to unite the country starting a period of conservatism. Education and social welfare became the church's domain, Catholicism the exclusive religion and citizenship became dependent on the adherence to Roman Catholic doctrine. The liberals opposed these new laws and in 1864 they set out to rid the country of Gabriel.

Juan Jose once again came to Gabriel's aid and the revolution was squashed. The handling of political enemies was ruthless; Gabriel would kill anyone who tried to get in his way. Like Juan Jose he wanted to retain power. He would select his successors only to remove them from office.

Gabriel's presidency inaugurated many public works projects and artistic endeavors. New schools from primary to polytechnic training were built. Construction of the Quito-Guayaquil railroad began giving the Sierra's access with the rest of the world. Roads, schools and hospitals were built throughout the country and eucalyptus trees were planted to alleviate erosion. Ecuador flourished economically primarily due to cocoa exports which grew from approximately $1 million to $10 million dollars annually.

Not long after Gabriel's third term his presidency was abruptly ended when he was hacked to death by a machete on the steps of the presidential palace. Gabriel's most outspoken critic, journalist Juan Montalvo took credit stating, "My pen killed him". Today a plaque hangs on the wall of the palace memorializing the where Gabriel died.

GALAPAGOS HISTORY

Discovery of the Galapagos Islands
Whalers in Galapagos
Charles Darwin visits Galapagos
Early Colonists - Settlement of Galapagos

ECUADOR HISTORY

Pre Columbian History
Inca Empire Extends to Ecuador
Spanish Conquest of Ecuador
Royal Audience of Quito - Spanish Rule
Republic of Ecuador
Modern Ecuador History