King of the Night: Juan José Flores and Ecuador, 1824–1864 offers a nuanced exploration of the political turbulence in early independent Ecuador, focusing on the monarchical aspirations of its first president, General Juan José Flores. Set against the broader context of nineteenth-century Latin America, the book examines the region’s grappling with governance models—especially the allure of monarchy in the wake of colonial rule. Flores, disillusioned with the inefficacies of republicanism, sought to establish a monarchy in Ecuador as a means to bring stability, believing European royal legitimacy could temper political chaos. This study sheds light on the complexities of monarchist sentiment in Latin America, contrasting it with republican ideals and situating Ecuador within a regional struggle for political identity.

The narrative weaves together diplomatic correspondence, historical records, and Flores’ political maneuvers to uncover the motivations and failures of monarchist endeavors. Despite Flores' efforts, including collaboration with Spain, his schemes ultimately faltered, reflecting the broader challenges of imposing monarchy in a region steeped in revolutionary republicanism. By tracing Flores' political biography, the book highlights how his leadership and monarchical ambitions intensified domestic and foreign crises, culminating in the ultimate rejection of royalist ideologies. Through this lens, King of the Night underscores the enduring tensions between authoritarian and representative governance in Ecuador's formative years, while contributing to a deeper understanding of Latin America's political evolution.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1989.