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

Lorenzo Batlle y Grau
President of Uruguay
In office
1 March 1868 – 1 March 1872
Preceded byPedro Varela
Succeeded byTomás Gomensoro Albín
Personal details
Born(1810-08-10)10 August 1810
Montevideo, Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata
Died8 May 1887(1887-05-08) (aged 76)
Montevideo, Uruguay
NationalityUruguayian
Political partyColorado Party
RelationsBatlle family

Family background and early career

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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 (1847-1851, 1853-1854 and 1865-1868).[1] He was Minister of Finance from 1856 to 1857.

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

President of Uruguay

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He was elected President of Uruguay, serving from 1868 to 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

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

See also

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References

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Political offices
Preceded by President of Uruguay
1868–1872
Succeeded by