Who was Rafael Leónidas Trujillo Molina? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Rafael Trujillo, El Jefe

Died At Age: 69

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: María de los Ángeles Martínez y Alba (m. 1937), Aminta Ledesma y Pérez (m. 1913 – div. 1925), Bienvenida Ricardo y Martínez (m. 1927 – div. 1935)

father: José Trujillo Valdez

mother: Altagracia Julia Molina Chevalier

children: Angelita Trujillo, Flor de Oro Trujillo Ledesma, Genoveva Trujillo, Leonidas Rhadamés Trujillo Martínez, María de los Angeles del Sagrado Corazón de Jesus, Odette Trujillo Ricardo, Rafael Trujillo, Ramfis Trujillo, Yolanda Trujillo

Born Country: Dominican Republic

Dictators Presidents

Died on: May 30, 1961

place of death: Trujillo City, Dominican Republic

Cause of Death: Assassination

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1

What were some of Rafael Trujillo's most notorious actions during his rule in the Dominican Republic?

During his rule, Trujillo was responsible for the infamous Parsley Massacre of Haitians in 1937, where thousands were killed along the border. He also carried out brutal suppression of political dissent and established a pervasive cult of personality.
2

How did Rafael Trujillo maintain power for over 30 years in the Dominican Republic?

Trujillo maintained power through a combination of brutal repression, widespread propaganda, and a network of informants that effectively stifled opposition. He also cultivated strong ties with foreign powers, particularly the United States.
3

What was the impact of Rafael Trujillo's rule on the economy of the Dominican Republic?

Trujillo's regime was characterized by widespread corruption and economic mismanagement, leading to significant inequality and poverty in the Dominican Republic. While there were some infrastructure improvements, they often served to benefit the ruling elite.
4

How did Rafael Trujillo's assassination in 1961 impact the Dominican Republic?

Trujillo's assassination led to a period of instability and political upheaval in the Dominican Republic. It sparked a power struggle among various factions, ultimately culminating in the end of Trujillo's regime and the beginning of a new era for the country.
5

What legacy did Rafael Trujillo leave behind in the Dominican Republic?

Trujillo's legacy in the Dominican Republic is one of fear, repression, and deep-seated trauma. His brutal rule left scars on the country that are still felt today, with many Dominicans grappling with the legacy of his dictatorship.

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Childhood & Early Life

Born Rafael Leonidas Trujillo Molina, on October 24, 1891, in San Cristóbal in the Dominican Republic, he was the third of the 11 children born to José Trujillo Valdez and Altagracia Julia Molina Chevalier.

His father was the son of a Spanish sergeant who had served in the Dominican Republic during the annexation era. His mother, Altagracia Julia Molina Chevalier, was also known as “Mama Julia.” His parents were of French, Haitian, and Dominican origin.

Trujillo began his education at the Juan Hilario Meriño School in 1897, at the age of six. A year later, he transferred to Broughton School, where he studied under the guidance of educator Eugenio María de Hostos, completing his primary education there.

At 16, he took a job as a telegraph operator, which he held for three years. However, he later became involved in criminal activities, including cattle theft, check forgery, and postal robbery. Following his arrest, he spent several months in jail. After his release, he reportedly formed a violent gang known as "The 42."

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Career

The US occupied the Dominican Republic in 1916 and established a Dominican force to maintain order. Trujillo joined the ‘National Guard’ in 1918 and trained with the US marines. In only 9 years, he quickly rose through the military ranks, from cadet to general and then to commander-in-chief.

In 1930, when a rebellion occurred in Santiago against the then-president, Horacio Vásquez, Trujillo colluded with rebel leader Rafael Estrella Ureña to ensure Estrella could assume power and he himself could run for the presidency.

As agreed upon, Estrella became the acting president on March 3, while Trujillo became the head of the army and the police. He also became the presidential candidate for the ‘Patriotic Coalition of Citizens,’ alongside Estrella. Other nominees were subjected to harassment by the military.

The army hindered anyone who campaigned, leading to almost a unanimous victory for Trujillo in the presidential elections. The election was a farce. Some said the number of votes he received was more than that of the actual voters.

Soon after his inauguration, Hurricane San Zenón devastated Santo Domingo, killing around 2,000 people. Trujillo declared martial law and began rebuilding the city, renaming it "Ciudad Trujillo" ("Trujillo City") in his honor, erecting monuments and renaming streets to glorify himself.

He established a one-party state and promoted himself to "Generalissimo" of the army. By 1934, he stood for re-election as the sole candidate, with elections under his regime often being rigged.

The persecution of dissenters with force and brutality was the order of the day in Trujillo's regime. He also had a list of people who he thought were his enemies and were thus supposed to be executed.

He had a particular unit, the ‘Servicio de Inteligencia Militar,’ which carried out killings and imprisonments. Some of his more infamous cases, such as the Galíndez case and the murder of the Mirabal sisters, led to critical scrutiny by the international community.

By the time Trujillo took over the northwest border of the Dominican Republic, it had become extremely "Haitianized." The border was not demarcated, and he met President Sténio Vincent to agree on a settlement.

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He schemed against the Haitian government with General Calixte. When further incursions occurred, he commenced the Parsley Massacre.

The Parsley Massacre, also known as “La Masacre del Perejil” in Spanish, was executed in 1937 by Trujillo. He claimed Haiti was harboring his Dominican opponents and commanded an assault on tens of thousands of Haitians in the border areas.

The real number is unknown, but it is claimed that around 20,000 to 30,000 people were killed. They used machetes and also drowned them in the port of Montecristi.

The Haitian government ultimately called for international inspection and paid a restitution of US$525,000 in 1939, which amounted to US$30 per victim, while only 2 cents were given to the survivors, because of corruption.

Family & Personal Life

Trujillo's love for power and dominance also defined many aspects of his day-to-day life. He developed an everyday routine, which included waking up at 4:00 a.m. to exercise, read the newspaper, and read reports, all of which he did before breakfast.

He was in office by 9:00 a.m. and worked until 7:30 p.m., with only one break at noon. After dinner, he held discussions, participated in events, or was often driven around in secret so that he could observe and remember.

He, along with his family, had accumulated vast amounts of wealth by dominating many industries, such as the meat and milk production, salt, sugar, tobacco, lumber, and lottery industries.

Trujillo gave his family members positions within the government and the army. He made one of his sons a colonel in the Dominican military when he was only 4 years old.

His annual income was US$1.5 million at the time of his death.

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He had no real friends, only associates and acquaintances. His associates considered him unpredictable.

He had a passion for exquisite and ostentatious clothing and had a collection of 2,000 elaborate uniforms and suits.

Although Trujillo was married thrice, he kept mistresses to fulfill his unbridled sexual appetite.

He married Aminta Ledesma Lachapelle, his first wife, on August 13, 1913. He later married Bienvenida Ricardo Martínez on March 30, 1927. It is believed that he had a daughter named Odette Trujillo Ricardo with Bienvenida.

In 1935, he divorced Bienvenida and married María de los Angeles Martínez Alba.

Trujillo and María had three children: Rafael Leónidas Ramfis, María de los Ángeles Del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, and Leónidas Rhadamés.

He had two other children, with Lina Lovatón Pittaluga, who was an upper-class debutante. Their names were Yolanda and Rafael.

He was a healthy man but eventually developed chronic lower urinary infections and prostate problems.

On May 30, 1961, Trujillo was assassinated when his blue Chevrolet Bel Air was ambushed on a road outside the Dominican capital.

Facts About Rafael Leónidas Trujillo Molina

Rafael Leónidas Trujillo Molina was known for his extravagant sense of style and often wore colorful uniforms and elaborate military regalia.

Trujillo was a skilled marksman and enjoyed hunting as a hobby.

He was particularly fond of bird hunting.

Despite his reputation as a dictator, Trujillo had a passion for baseball and even owned his own team, the Ciudad Trujillo Dragons.

Trujillo was a well-known lover of luxury cars and owned a vast collection of expensive vehicles, which he often showcased in parades and public events.

Trujillo had a keen interest in the arts and supported many artists and musicians during his rule, promoting cultural events and initiatives throughout the Dominican Republic.

Rafael Leónidas Trujillo Molina Biography

You wanted to know

What were some of Rafael Trujillo's most notorious actions during his rule in the Dominican Republic?

How did Rafael Trujillo maintain power for over 30 years in the Dominican Republic?

What was the impact of Rafael Trujillo's rule on the economy of the Dominican Republic?

How did Rafael Trujillo's assassination in 1961 impact the Dominican Republic?

What legacy did Rafael Trujillo leave behind in the Dominican Republic?