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 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 (1847-1851, 1853-1854 and 1865-1868).

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.