Trujillo Molina, Rafael Leónidas, 1891-1961

Rafael Leónidas Trujillo Molina (b. 24 October 1891, San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic–d., 30 May 1961, Ciudad Trujillo, Dominican Republic)was a notorious president of the Dominican Republic. He joined the National Guard in 1918 and was promoted from cadet to general and commander-in chief of the Army in only nine years. During the rebellion against Pres. Horacio Vásquez in 1930, Trujillo cut a deal with rebel leader in order to run for president. He won the presidency in 1930 with 99% of the vote since the army wouldn't allow anyone else to run. He served as president from 1930-1938 and 1942-1952, ruling for the rest of the time as an unelected military strongman under figurehead presidents. His rule was known to Dominicans known as the Trujillo Era, and considered one of the bloodiest eras ever in the Americas. Trujillo was assassinated in 1961.