[3] Following the occupation of the Dominican Republic by U.S. military forces from 1916–1924, Vásquez was democratically elected as president of the country and served between 1924 and 1930, and again separately in 1930 before being ousted by General Rafael Trujillo and sent into exile in Puerto Rico.

A man of great stature and a strong physical presence, he quickly gained the popularity from people who especially appreciated him for his serenity, the rectitude of his conduct, his intellectual conditions and his distinguished bearing.

When the city of La Vega was attacked by insurgent troops, he stood out in its defense, showing solidarity and fighting for the government headed by Alejandro Woss and Gil.

In 1903, faced with a chaotic situation in the economy and the threat of intervention by the United States, a coup d'état overthrew General Vásquez, who after several weeks of fighting, resigned as president of the provisional government in April 1903.

He was elected president for the period 1924-1928 with 69.8% of the votes, but the forced extension of his mandate until 1930 and his eventual reelection caused a revolt by the National Guard, led by Rafael Trujillo, that overthrew Vásquez in 1930.