Juan Jos Flores Ecuadorian military and statesman. Date of Birth: 19.07.1800 Country: Venezuela

1. Ecuadorian Military and Statesman
2. First President of Ecuador
3. Challenges and Compromises
4. Downfall and Exile
5. Return and Demise

Ecuadorian Military and Statesman

Juan Jose Flores was an Ecuadorian military and statesman. He was born on July 19, 1800 in Puerto Cabello, Venezuela. At the age of 13, he joined Simon Bolivar's liberation army and later became one of his most trusted generals.

First President of Ecuador

After the dissolution of Gran Colombia, created by Bolivar, into three separate states - New Granada, Venezuela, and Ecuador - Flores became the first president of Ecuador from 1830 to 1835. As a military-minded individual, Flores imposed a militaristic model of governance on Ecuador.

Challenges and Compromises

Shortly after Ecuador's separation, a rivalry between the capital city of Quito and the port city of Guayaquil emerged, along with a border dispute with Colombia. In order to maintain power and preserve the integrity of the state against the threat of Colombian intervention, Flores was forced to compromise with the liberal party in Guayaquil, led by Vicente Rocafuerte. Following the terms of the agreement, Flores relinquished the presidency to Rocafuerte at the end of his term, but returned to power in 1839 and led the government until 1845.

Downfall and Exile

Flores' reactionary and dictatorial policies, as well as his attempts to solidify his power through a new constitution, sparked a rebellion by the liberals. In March 1845, he was overthrown and expelled from the country.

Return and Demise

In 1859, Flores returned to Ecuador at the invitation of dictator Gabriel Garcia Moreno to restore order in a country plagued by chaos and anarchy after civil strife. Although he successfully accomplished this task, Flores' political star waned, and he was once again sent into exile. He died aboard a ship off the coast of Ecuador near the city of Santa Rosa on October 1, 1864.