Ulises Heureaux served as the President of the Dominican Republic from 1882 to 1884 and then again from 1887 until his assassination in 1899. His leadership was characterized by a combination of economic modernization efforts and authoritarian governance. During his presidency, he negotiated loans with foreign powers and engaged in infrastructure projects but also relied heavily on violence and intimidation to maintain control over the opposition. By the late 1890s, dissatisfaction with his rule had grown among segments of the military and civil society, fueled by accusations of corruption and nepotism.

On July 26, 1899, Heureaux was shot and killed while walking in the streets of Santo Domingo, the capital. Witnesses reported that he was confronted by a group of armed men who had conspired to end his presidency. The assassination occurred at a moment when his popularity had waned due to ongoing social unrest and economic hardships faced by the Dominican populace. After he was fatally wounded, he was taken to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries soon after.

His death left a power vacuum and resulted in immediate political instability in the Dominican Republic, leading to a series of short-lived governments. The fallout from his assassination would significantly impact the political landscape of the nation, compounding the existing divisions within the country. Over the next few years, the Dominican Republic would see a succession of leaders, each struggling to gain control amidst the turmoil.