Flores, Juan José

Flores, Juan José hwän hōsāˈ flōˈrās [key], 1800–1864, president of Ecuador (1830–34, 1839–45), b. Puerto Cabello, Venezuela. A commander under Bolívar in the War of Independence, Flores led (1830) the secession of Ecuador from the Colombian union and became its first president. A conservative who supported entrenched privileges, especially those of the Church, he was soon opposed by a liberal opposition under Rocafuerte, who succeeded him as president. Flores was twice reelected but, accused of dictatorial ambitions, he was exiled. Returning in 1860 with Gabriel García Moreno, he served as army chief until his death.

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