Francisco Solano López

Profession: President of Paraguay

Nationality:

Biography: López was the President of Paraguay from 1862 and 1870. A controversial figure in South America, particularly for his role in the Paraguayan War, which ended with the total defeat of his country and his own death in battle. Others maintain he was a fierce defender of Latin American interests against outsiders.

The war began in 1864 after a conflict between the Empire of Brazil and Paraguay caused by the earlier Uruguayan War. Paraguay had been involved in various disputes with its neighbors for years, and when Brazil intervened in Uruguay to depose the leader of a political party allied to Paraguay, López intervened and went to war with Brazil. Argentina and Uruguay joined Brazil, forming a Triple Alliance.

The war lasted until 1870, and was the deadliest conflict in Latin American history. The war was devastating to Paraguay, which suffered enormous losses in population (possibly 850,000) and territory.

López conducted a guerrilla war after he lost in conventional war on the battlefield, and the conflict ended when he was killed in battle by Brazilian forces in battle on March 1, 1870.

Born: July 24, 1826
Birthplace: Asunción, Paraguay
Star Sign: Leo

Died: March 1, 1870 (aged 43)
Cause of Death: Refusing surrender and shouting "¡Muero con mi patria!" (I die with my nation), López attacked Brazilian General Câmara with his sword and died during a struggle with soldiers who tried to disarm him.