Father of José Batlle y Ordóñez.

He was the son of a wealthy merchant loyal to the spanish crown. Lorenzo Batlle was one of the distinguished members of the Colorado Party. He served as Minister of War during the seige of Montevideo. Eventually was elected president (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 errupted ending in his presidency and ushering an era of dicatorship. He died a poor man and respected as a historical figure for his attempts to help the country.