Background
Báez Buenaventura was born on 14 July, 1812 in Rincon, Puerto Rico.
government official politician president
Báez Buenaventura was born on 14 July, 1812 in Rincon, Puerto Rico.
A mulatto landowner, Báez alternated in power with his major rival, Pedro Santana, between 1844 and 1861. He was president during 1849-1853 and 1856-1857. After the end of Spain's reannexation of the country as a colony, Báez became president again in 1865. He negotiated a treaty of annexation with the United States, but the U.S. Senate refused to rectify it. Leaving the presidency in 1866, Báez returned to power between 1868 and 1873, and for a last period between 1876 and 1878. During all of his periods in office, Báez governed as a dictator.