Lorenzo Batlle y Grau


Lorenzo Cristóbal Manuel Batlle y Grau was the president of Uruguay from 1868 to 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, nephew Luis Batlle Berres and grand-nephew Jorge Batlle Ibáñez would also serve as presidents 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.
In March 1868 interim President Pedro Varela stepped down from the Presidency.

President of Uruguay

He was elected President of Uruguay, serving from 1868 to 1872.
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.