Vicente Rocafuerte

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Vicente Rocafuerte (1783-05-01 – 1847-05-16) was an influential figure in Ecuadorian politics and President of Ecuador from 1834-09-10 to 1839-01-31.

He was born into an aristocratic family in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and, as a youth, was sent to Madrid to finish his education. He returned to Ecuador in 1807, and committed himself to freeing his land, first from Spanish rule, and later from the Republic of Gran Colombia.

After Ecuadorian independence, Rocafuerte was elected a member of the National Congress for Pichincha Province. His actions in congress went against the will of President Juan José Flores, who exiled him to Peru.

Rocafuerte later returned, and on 1833-09-20 became the Governor of Guayas Province. He revolted against Flores, but was defeated and imprisoned. Yet holding a position of respect, and with many supporters, Rocafuerte negotiated a settlement with Flores, and was released from prison. The settlement allowed Flores to finish his term in office, and promised Rocafuerte would become president straight afterwards, with Flores in control of the army.

During his presidency, Rocafuerte passed a new constitution in 1835, and gave greater protection to Native Americans in Ecuador.

In 1839, after Rocafuerte had left office, Flores was again elected president, but for some time there was no difficulties between the two men. However, after electoral irregularities in 1842, Flores annulled the 1835 constitution and passed a new one, nicknamed 'The Letter of Slavery'. When Flores took up his third term as president in 1843, Rocafuerte left Ecuador in protest. After a short rebellion, Rocafuerte and Vicente Ramón Roca overthrew Flores on 1845-03-06, and Roca became the next president of Ecuador later that year.

Under Roca, Rocafuerte was appointed as special representative to various South American countries. He died on 1847-05-16.