Lorenzo Latorre

Lorenzo Latorre
Provisional President of Uruguay
In office 10 March 1876 – 14 February 1879
Preceded by	Pedro Varela
Succeeded by	Francisco Antonino Vidal
President of Uruguay
In office 1 March 1879 – 15 March 1880
Preceded by	Francisco Antonino Vidal
Succeeded by	Francisco Antonino Vidal
Personal details
Born	July 8, 1844 Montevideo
Died	January 18, 1916 (aged 71) Buenos Aires, Argentina
Political party	Colorado Party
Profession	Military, Politician

Lorenzo Latorre, full name Lorenzo Antonio Inocencio Latorre Jampen, (July 8, 1844 – January 18, 1916) was Uruguayan officer and politician, who was a dictator and President of Uruguay from March 10, 1876 until March 15, 1880. During his rule political opponents were oppressed, but at the same time, his reforms greatly improved the economy and state institutions.

Latorre was son of an immigrant, born in Montevideo in 1844. He joined the army of Colorado Party during the civil war of 1863 and was promoted to ensign by 1865. On May 2, 1866 he was badly wounded at the Battle of Estero Bellaco during the Paraguayan War.

In January 1875 he was behind the coup which overthrew President José Eugenio Ellauri and started a period of military governments that lasted until 1890. In the government of Pedro Varela he was Minister of War and Navy. As a result of popular dissatisfaction with Valera's government, Latorre launched a new coup in March 1876 and assumed Presidency.

Latorre strengthened army against the constant threats of Blanco rebellions, by purchasing new weaponry from Remington and Mauser. He also abolished the rule that required colored people to serve in the army without choice. He saw this requirement as not only against the fundamental principles of equal rights but also against "the democratic principles to which we adhere."

With the help of British investments the railway and telegraph systems were expanded across the whole country.

During this time Uruguay became a large exporter of beef and merino wool, as sheep growing was encouraged and large pastures fenced in, to protect the herds. This also increased tax revenues, which others had found difficult to do, because of the logistics of taxing a rural population which moved around with its cattle. This semi-nomadic lifestyle was ended by enclosing and fencing pastures. European migrants were encouraged to move to countryside at the expense of traditional gauchos.

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