The early battle to define the political…
1828 CE to 1839 CE
Flores is of the foreign military variety.
Born in Venezuela, he had fought in the wars for independence with Bolivar, who had appointed him governor of Ecuador during its association with Gran Colombia.
Although of humble origins with little formal education, Flores marries into the quiteno elite, gaining acceptance, initially at least, within the local criollo upper class.
As a leader, however, he appears primarily interested in maintaining his power.
Military expenditures, from the independence wars and from an unsuccessful campaign to wrest Cauca Province from Colombia in 1832, keep the state treasury empty while other matters are left unattended.