José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia y Velasco

José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia y Velasco (1766–1840) was the dictator of Paraguay. He helped Paraguay become independent from Spain. Paraguay became independent from Spain in 1811. Francia y Velasco reigned from 1814 until his death in 1840.

Dr. José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia y Velasco
Three-quarter-length drawing of a middle aged man with hair pulled back, in a heavy coat with large cuffs.
Lithograph of José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia with a gourd of mate and its respective bombilla
Consul of Paraguay
In office
October 12, 1813 – February 12, 1814
June 12, 1814 – September 20, 1840
Preceded byFulgencio Yegros (1813)
Fulgencio Yegros (1814)
Succeeded byFulgencio Yegros (1814)
Manuel Antonio Ortiz (1840)
Personal details
Born(1766-01-06)January 6, 1766
Yaguarón, Paraguay
DiedSeptember 20, 1840(1840-09-20) (aged 74)
Asunción, Paraguay
NationalityParaguayan
Political partyIndependent

Francia y Velasco believed that Paraquay should be self-sufficient. During his reign, almost no goods were imported, and only yerba mate was exported. Leaves and twigs of this herb, Ilex paraguariensis, are the basis of the drink called "mate".

José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia.jpg

Further reading

(An annotated publication of the archived collection of Francia's writings, the Colección Doroteo Bareiro, held by the "Archivo Nacional de Asuncion"):

  • FRANCIA, 3 Vols. 600pgs each. Asunción, Paraguay: Editorial Tiempo de Historia. 2009. ISBN 978-99953-816-4-6.

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