Salcedo led a civil war which aimed at the restoration of the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Restoration War began on August 16, 1863, and by September 14, 1863 a Provisional Government was established, over which the general presided. After he became the 1st head of state of the Dominican Republic, the general was opposed by the Nationalist movement, who viewed his policies as favoring those supporting the annexation of the country. On October 15, 1864, Head of State Salcedo sent word to his wife (who lived in Guayubín) with a young soldier who was nearly in his mid-twenties named Ulises Heureaux. After on the same day, he was assassinated by Coronel Agustín Masagó by the order of General Gaspar Polanco.