Lorenzo Batlle y Grau

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

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).

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

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

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.

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

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