Pedro Santana

Common card · No. 394262

Pedro Santana y Familias, 1st Marquess of Las Carreras (June 29, 1801 – June 14, 1864) was a Dominican soldier and politician who served three times as the president of the First Dominican Republic (1844–1861) and was the first governor-general during the period of Spanish annexation of the Dominican Republic (1861–1865), accomplished at Santana's request. Called "Libertador de la Patria" in life, Santana is today considered a dictator because of his authoritarian rule. Santana was one of the signatories of the Manifesto of January 16, 1844 that proclaimed Dominican independence on February 27, 1844. He would assume the leadership of the southern expeditionary army and gain prominence for his victory in the Battle of Azua. He led a coup d'état against the Central Governing Board and was named president on a provisional basis. During his government, the first constitution of the Dominican Republic was promulgated, and he was designated the first constitutional president of the Dominican...

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