Francia, Jos� Gaspar Rodriguez de 1756-1840
Dictator of Paraguay

Born near Asunci�n, he studied theology, was a professor of divinity, and practised law for 30 years with a high reputation. He assumed a prominent role in Paraguay's movement for independence and held absolute power from 1814 until his death, adopting a policy of isolating Paraguay from the outside world. Frugal and honest, but intensely cruel, he banned foreign trade, attempted national self-sufficiency through agricultural and industrial reform, and abolished noble privileges, together with the Inquisition.

Bibliography: Jos� Antonio Vazquez, El doctor Francia, visto y oido por sus contemporaneos (1975)