A lawyer by profession, familiar with the history of Rome, an admirer of France and Napoleon, a misanthrope and a recluse, possessing a blind faith in himself and actuated by a sense of implacable hatred for all who might venture to thwart his will, this extraordinary personage speedily made himself master of the country.

A population composed chiefly of Indians, docile in temperament and submissive for many years to the paternal rule of Jesuit missionaries, could not fail to become pliant instruments in his hands.

At his direction, therefore, Paraguay declared itself independent of both Spain and La Plata.

This done, an obedient Congress elected Francia consul of the republic and later invested him with the title of dictator.

In the Banda Oriental two distinct movements appeared.