Ulises Francisco Espaillat

Who was Ulises Francisco Espaillat?

Ulises Francisco Espaillat Quiñones was a Dominican author and politician. He served as president of the Dominican Republic from April 29, 1876 to October 5, 1876. Espaillat Province is named after him.

Born in Santiago de los Caballeros, he served in many offices, including Senator, member of the House of Representatives, Customs Inspector of Puerto Plata, and member of the Provincial Deputation of Santiago.

He opposed the Republic's annexation by Spain, and as a result, was exiled; he returned to his country in 1863. He served as Vice President in 1864.

With the support of Gregorio Luperón, Espaillat won election as president on March 24, 1876. Espaillat was a political and economic liberal who wished to broaden the personal freedoms of the Dominican people and improve the country's economy. However, he was forced to resign before he could set in motion any plan of action, due to rebellions in the south and east.