-
Spanish Rule and Independence
After nearly 300 years of Spanish rule, Quito was still a small city numbering 10,000 inhabitants. On August 10, 1809, the city called for independence from Spain. Quito's nickname, "Luz de América" ("Light of America"), is based on its leading role in trying to secure an independent, local government. -
"Gran Colombia"
Ecuador joins with Cundinamarca, and Venezuela to form The Republic of Great Colombia for the. These are the modern nations of Colombia, Panama, Venezuela, and Ecuador. -
Guayaquil Independence
Guayaquil became the first city in Ecuador to gain its independence. They were free from Spanish rule. -
Celebration
After Guayaquil gained independence, the people were very excited. The date of May 24, 1822 is recognized as the first day of independence. This is the true date of independence for Ecuador, but it is celebrated on August 10th. -
Peruvian Forces Attack
After Peruvian generals occupied Jaen and Tumbes, which were free from Spain, they planned to annex Ecuador. Gran Colombia, which Ecuador was part of, had protested Peru for the return of Jaen and Tumbes for almost a decade. Finally Simon Bolivar, who helped liberate Peru from Spain, declared war over the return of Jaen. -
First President
Juan Jose Flores is elected the first president of Ecuador. He served from September 22nd, 1830 to September 10th, 1834. -
Spanish-Portuguese Treaty
Peru signed a treaty disregarding Spanish rights and began occupying defenseless missionary villages. During negotiations with Brazil, Peru claimed the Amazonian Basin territories up to Caqueta River in the north and toward the Andes Mountain range, depriving Ecuador and Colombia of all their claims to the Amazon Basin. Colombia and Ecuador protested as Peru began to occupy the river systems in all the territories claimed by both Colombia and Ecuador. -
New Experiences
After Gabriel Garcia Moreno unified the country, there was a greater world demand for cocoa. This tied the economy to commodity exports and led to migrations from the highlands to the agricultural frontier on the coast. -
Liberal Revolution
The Liberal Revolution begins under Eloy Alfaro. This reduced the power of the clergy and the conservative land owners. This liberal wing retained power until the military "Julian Revolution" of 1925. -
Famous Leader
José María Velasco Ibarra was a major political figure in Ecuador from the 1930s to the 1970s. He was elected president five separate times.
