Juan Jose Flores

He married a member of the Quito aristocracy (Miss Mercedes Jijón) and was accepted into the upper class of Sierra landowners and served as Governor while Ecuador was part of Gran Colombia.

His son, Antonio Flores, born in Quito in October 1833, was educated at the College of his native city and in Paris. After experience as a professor and journalist, he was appointed minister to Washington. In 1881 and 1882 he was elected senator to the congress of Ecuador, but was exiled by Veintemilla. He returned in May 1883, joined the revolutionary forces, and participated in the siege of Guayaquil. He was elected to the National convention. He published "Compendio de Historia Universal" (1860); "Las Letras Espatiolas en los Estados Unidos." and "La Naturalizacidn en los Estados Unidos" (

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."

In 1859 when the southern provinces of Ecuador had been surrendered 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 (whom he had tried to kill years earlier), forced the Peruvians out and began uniting the country. Gabriel was from a modest family in Guayaquil. Gabriel moved to Quito for school and married one of the local leaders. 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:

As 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.

Some topics in this essay:
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