Gabriel García Moreno: Life, Politics, and Ecuadorian Legacy

Gabriel García Moreno: Early Life and Background

Gabriel García Moreno was born on December 24, 1821, in Guayaquil, the main port and commercial city of Ecuador. He was the eighth son of a distinguished and numerous family. His father, Gabriel García Gómez, born near Ponferrada, León, Spain, was a solicitor trustee of Guayaquil. His mother, Mercedes Moreno y Morán Butrón, was the daughter of the city council's perpetual governor, sister of the Archdeacon of Lima and the judge of Guatemala, and aunt of Cardinal Moreno, primate of Toledo.

Historical Periods of Self-Government

• Government of Bolívar
• Government of García Moreno
• Government of Rocafuerte
• Government of Flores and Urbina

The Role of the Catholic Church in the Garcian State

The Church played a central role in the Garcian state, specifically regarding the delivery of Catholic education as an exclusive privilege of Ecuadorians.

Analysis of the Administration of Gabriel García Moreno

The administration of Gabriel García Moreno was highly positive and resulted in numerous accomplishments for the benefit of Ecuador.

Chronology of the Marcismo Period

• Sub-period 1845–1851: Civil government under Vicente Ramón Roca, Manuel Ascázubi, and Diego Noboa.
• Sub-period 1851–1859: Militarism under José María Urbina and Francisco Robles.

Chronological Order of Historical Events

1. The President Roca began his presidential term.
2. A new Constituent Assembly (the fourth in republican history) meets in Cuenca.
3. The Treaty of Virginia ended the insurrection.
4. Appointment of a new constitutional chairman by the Cuenca assembly, following eighty votes.

Historical Review and Analysis

Constitutional Presidency and Challenges

Question: During which constitutional presidency did this attempt occur?
Answer: President Vicente Ramón Roca.

Question: How do you perceive former Ecuadorian presidents?
Answer: Figures such as Juan José Flores.

Question: How to explain the update regarding former presidents?
Answer: Some had helped both presidents and society.

Question: Why did the reconquest attempt fail?
Answer: Because the British government showed strong opposition.

Chronological Order of Political Transitions

1. Antonio Elizalde and Diego Noboa compete as presidential candidates in an impossible election.
2. A constituent assembly (the fifth in our history) gave legitimacy to the constitutional government of Noboa.
3. A coup directed by General Urbina proclaims the supreme command of Diego Noboa.
4. Urbina, with a new coup, climbs to power.
5. Ascázubi ends his term as Colonel in charge of the chair of Ecuador, in his capacity as Vice President.

Political Analysis

Question: To whom is the elite group that supports the Conservative Party due?
Answer: They were latifundistas (large landowners).

Question: What group does the Liberal Party represent?
Answer: The landowner group.

Question: Similarities and differences between the governments of Juan José Flores and Gabriel García Moreno?
Answer: Both were supported by the elite, both created schools, but Flores had poor management while García Moreno had a positive impact.