Background
He was the son of a wealthy merchant loyal to the Spanish crown.
He was the son of a wealthy merchant loyal to the Spanish crown.
Lorenzo Batlle"s son José Batlle y Ordóñez, grandson Luis Batlle Berres and great-grandson Jorge Batlle would also serve as president of Uruguay. 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.
He was elected, serving from 1868-1872.
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.
He died in 1887, a poor man, but was respected as an historical figure for his attempts to help the country.
Lorenzo Batlle was a military officer and one of the distinguished members of the Colorado Party.