In the Dominican Republic, General Desiderio Arias led a rebellion against the government in La Vega and Santiago beginning on March 30, 1914. José Bordas Valdez was elected president without opposition on June 15, 1914. U.S. naval ships intervened to end the bombardment of Puerto Plata beginning on June 26, 1914. U.S. troops were deployed in support of the government in Santo Domingo in July 1914. The U.S. government mediated the signing of a ceasefire agreement between government and rebel representatives on August 6, 1914. Some 500 individuals were killed during the conflict.. What happened first: Arias led a rebellion or Valdez was elected president?