Francia, José Gaspar Rodríguez

Francia, José Gaspar Rodríguez (1766-1840), dictator of Paraguay , born in Asunción, and educated at the University of Córdoba, Argentina. Although trained in theology, he maintained a legal practice in Asunción. He was a leader in Paraguay's movement for independence from Spain (1811), and was appointed to the post-Independence administrative council. Between 1814 and 1817 he established himself as absolute dictator of Paraguay. His rule was tyrannical, anti-clerical, and xenophobic, and he kept the country in semi-isolation from the outside world, forbidding even river traffic to neighbouring Argentina. Despite his increasing despotism, he neverthless fostered new developments in industry, trade, and agriculture.