Carlos Antonio López

The president who ended isolation and drove the modernization of Paraguay, building one of the earliest railways in South America.

Life

Lawyer

Carlos Antonio López was a lawyer by training. After Francia's death he first served as consul, and from 1844 as President, until his death in 1862.

Opening up and development

He ended Francia's isolationist policy, opened up trade, and won international recognition of Paraguayan independence. He hired European technicians, built a railway, a telegraph, a shipyard and the Ybycuí ironworks, founded newspapers and schools, and greatly expanded the army.

Family succession

He concentrated power in his family, and before his death arranged for his son Francisco Solano López to succeed him.

Legacy

The era of Carlos Antonio López was Paraguay's most prosperous period in the 19th century.

Did you know? Though he was obese, he was known for his boundless energy and for handling affairs of state personally.

Key dates

• 1841Became consul
• 1844Becomes President
• 1852Argentina recognizes Paraguayan Independence
• 1861Railway opens
• 1862Died