Fructuoso Rivera

Fructuoso Rivera
1st President of Uruguay
In office September 25, 1853 – January 13, 1854
Preceded by	Luis Eduardo Pérez
Succeeded by	Carlos Anaya
Personal details
Born	October 17, 1784(1784-10-17) Durazno, Uruguay
Died	January 13, 1854(1854-01-13) (aged 69) Melo, Uruguay
Nationality	Uruguayan
Political party	Colorado Party
Profession	Military

José Fructuoso Rivera y Toscana (October 17, 1784 – January 13, 1854) was an Uruguayan general and patriot who assisted in the efforts to force Brazilians out of the Banda Oriental.

Founder of Colorado Party and President of Uruguay

He founded the Colorado political tradition. He served as the first President of Uruguay from 6 November 1830 to 24 October 1834.

Varied reputation

Rivera's brilliance as a military figure is widely recognized, though his two presidencies (1830-1834 and 1839-1843) were characterized by ineptness and neglect. He was responsible for the Salsipuedes Genocide in 1831.

Later legacy

His later legacy in Uruguayan political history, and more particularly among members of the Colorado Party, lies somewhat in symbolizing strong personal leadership. A 'Riverista' tendency (among others, represented by Jorge Pacheco Areco and the Bordaberry family) in the Colorado Party has long existed as a counterpoint to the 'Batllista' and other sectors.

See also

• Politics of Uruguay
• Colorado Party (Uruguay)#Pedro Bordaberry and Riverista resurgence

Preceded by Luis Eduardo Pérez (interim)	President of Uruguay 1830 – 1834	Succeeded by Carlos Anaya
Preceded by Gabriel Antonio Pereira	President of Uruguay 1838 – 1839	Succeeded by Gabriel Antonio Pereira
Preceded by Gabriel Antonio Pereira	President of Uruguay 1839 – 1843	Succeeded by Joaquín Suárez de Rondelo