Dominicana en Gráfica: Horacio Vásquez, presidente derrocado por Trujillo

Biography of Horacio Vázquez

Early Life and Background

• Horacio Vázquez was born on October 22, 1860, in Estancia Nueva, near Mucca. He was the son of Basilio Vázquez and Ramona Lajara.

• In the 1880s, he married María de los Ángeles Moya Pérez, known as Trina de Moya, a woman noted for her spirituality and poetry.

Political Beginnings

• At age 26, Vázquez entered politics shortly after the revolution led by Moya. He defended the government of Alejandro Vossi Hill against insurgent troops attacking La Vega.

• Upon returning to his country, he resumed commercial activities with Món Cáceres and Federico Velázquez but learned of a conspiracy against him involving his cousin.

Rise to Power

• The conspiracy led to the assassination of Ulysses Eró Lili on July 26, 1899. This event marked the end of Lili's tyranny but did not stabilize power for President Gueses Láuf.

• A military uprising directed by Vázquez established a provisional government in Santiago. Juan Hincidro Jiménez was recognized as the main leader while Vázquez served as president from August to November 1899.

Consolidation of Power

• In 1902, during a family coup, Vázquez expelled President Jiménez and dissolved Congress. He assumed power as provisional president without appointing a vice president.

• Elected president for the term from 1924 to 1928, his extended mandate in 1927 led to unrest within the National Guard under Rafael Lounidas Trujillo.

Later Years and Death

• While campaigning for re-election in late 1929, he fell ill and underwent surgery in Baltimore that resulted in losing one kidney.