The Panamanian isthmus had had twenty-six presidents…

The Panamanian isthmus had had twenty-six presidents between 1863 and 1886.

Coups d'etat, rebellions, and violence had been almost continuous, staged by troops of the central government, by local citizens against centrally imposed edicts, and by factions out of power.

The chaotic conditions that had prevailed under the federalist constitution of 1863 had culminated in the 1884 election of Rafael Nuñez as president of Colombia, supported by a coalition of moderate Liberals and Conservatives.

Nuñez had called all factions to participate in a new constituent assembly, but his request was met by an armed revolt of the radical Liberals.