Lorenzo Batlle y Grau

This name uses Spanish naming customs: the first or paternal family name is Batlle and the second or maternal family name is Grau.

Lorenzo Cristóbal Manuel Batlle y Grau (Montevideo, August 10, 1810 – Montevideo, May 8, 1887) was the President of Uruguay from 1868–1872.

Family Background and early career

He was the son of a wealthy merchant loyal to the Spanish crown. Lorenzo Batlle's son José Batlle y Ordóñez, grandson Luis Batlle Berres and great-grandson Jorge Batlle would also serve as president of Uruguay.

Lorenzo Batlle was a military officer and one of the distinguished members of the Colorado Party. He served as Minister of War three times (1847-1851, 1853-1854 and 1865-1868).[1]

In March 1868 interim President Pedro Varela stepped down from the Presidency.

President of Uruguay

He was elected President of Uruguay, serving from 1868-1872.[1]

His presidency failed because of a pre-existing monetary crisis. His attempts to control the country failed and, as a result, a civil war and military uprising erupted, culminating in his presidency and ushering in an era of dictatorship.

Death

He died in 1887, a poor man, but was respected as an historical figure for his attempts to help the country.

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 es:Lorenzo Batlle
Preceded by
Pedro Varela		 President of Uruguay
1868–1872 		Succeeded by
Tomás Gomensoro Albín