José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia y Velasco

José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia y Velasco (17661840) was the dictator of Paraguay. He helped Paraguay become independent from Spain. Paraguay became independent from Spain in 1811. Francia y Velasco reigned from 1814 until his death in 1840.
Francia y Velasco believed that Paraquay should be self-sufficient. During his reign, almost no goods were imported, and only yerba mate was exported. Leaves and twigs of this herb, "Ilex paraguariensis", are the basis of the drink called "mate".
Further reading.
(An annotated publication of the archived collection of Francia's writings, the "Colección Doroteo Bareiro", held by the "Archivo Nacional de Asuncion"):