Jose Gaspar Rodriguez Francia

Francia, José Gaspar Rodriguez de (1776–1840) Dictator of Paraguay. A leader of the Paraguayan movement for independence from Spain (1811), he dominated the post-independence period by establishing (1814) one of the most absolute dictatorships in 19th-century Latin American history. Dogmatic, anti-clerical, and xenophobic, he placed his country in almost complete isolation from the outside world. At home his autocratic rule earned him the name El Supremo. As time went on, he grew more arbitrary and despotic. The extravagances of his later years were considered symptomatic of his insanity, although he held office until his death in 1840.

José Gaspar Rodríguez Francia , 1766-1840, dictator of Paraguay and creator of its national independence, known as El Supremo. Incorruptible and of superior cultural attainments for his epoch, he took part in the bloodless revolution against Spain (1811), was first consul, declared himself dictator in 1814, and ruled until his death. He limited the power of the church and kept the aristocracy in subjection. He was harsh with his enemies and intransigent with foreigners. Cutting off Paraguay from the rest of the world and limiting trade to his personal supervision, he gained international ill will but effectively stimulated the growth of local industry and agriculture.

Bibliography: See contemporary study by J. R. Rengger and M. F. X. Longchamp (tr. 1827, repr. 1971); J. P. and W. P. R. Robertson, Letters from Paraguay (3 vol., 1839, repr. 1970).