Gabriel Gregorio Fernando José María García y Moreno y Morán de Buitrón (December 24, 1821 – August 6, 1875) was an Ecuadorian statesman who twice served as President of his country (1859-1865 and 1869-1875) and was assassinated during his second term. He is noted for his conservatism, Roman Catholic religious perspective, and rivalry with liberal strongman Eloy Alfaro. Under his administration, Ecuador became the leader in the fields of science ...
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Gabriel Gregorio Fernando José María García y Moreno y Morán de Buitrón (December 24, 1821 – August 6, 1875) was an Ecuadorian statesman who twice served as President of his country (1859-1865 and 1869-1875) and was assassinated during his second term. He is noted for his conservatism, Roman Catholic religious perspective, and rivalry with liberal strongman Eloy Alfaro. Under his administration, Ecuador became the leader in the fields of science and higher education within Latin America.
Part of the animosity García Moreno generated was his friendship toward the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). During a period of exile, he helped a group of displaced Jesuits find refuge in Ecuador. He had also advocated legislation which would outlaw secret societies. This action and many similar ones encouraged the anti-Catholic parties of Ecuador, especially the Masons, to see in him an inveterate enemy.
While the politics of his age were extremely convoluted and murky, the fact that he was elected to a...
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