left|thumb|Lithograph of José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia, a 19th-century ruler of Paraguay, with a mate and its respective bombilla Paraguay at independence was a relatively undeveloped country. Most residents of Asunción and virtually all rural inhabitants were illiterate. University education was limited to the few who could afford studies at the National University of Córdoba, in present-day Argentina. Very few people had any experience in government, finance, or diplomacy. The country was surrounded by hostile neighbors, from warlike Chaco tribes to the Argentine Confederation and Empire of Brazil. Strong measures were needed to save the country from disintegration. José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia served from 1811 until his death in 1840 and built a strong, prosperous, secure nation. Francia was popular with the lower classes of Creoles and native peoples. Despite popularity, Francia's dictatorship trampled on human rights, imposing a police state based on espionage, threats and force. Under Francia, Paraguay underwent a social upheaval that destroyed the old colonial elites. After the military uprising of 14–15 May 1811, which brought independence, Francia became a member of the ruling junta. Although the real power initially rested with the military, Francia attracted support from the nation's farmers. Francia built his power base on his organizational abilities and his forceful personality. By outwitting porteño diplomats in the negotiations that produced the Treaty of 11 October 1811, in which Argentina implicitly recognized Paraguayan independence in return for vague promises of a military alliance, Francia proved that he possessed skills crucial to the future of the country.
left|thumb|Lithograph of José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia a 19th-century ruler of Paraguay with a mate and its respective bombilla Paraguay at independence was a relatively undeveloped country Most residents of Asunción and virtually all rural inhabitants were illiterate University education was limited to the few who could afford studies at the National University of Córdoba in present-day Argentina Very few people had any experience in government finance or diplomacy The country was surrounded by hostile neighbors from warlike Chaco tribes to the Argentine Confederation and Empire of Brazil Strong measures were needed to save the country from disintegration José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia served from 1811 until his death in 1840 and built a strong prosperous secure nation Francia was popular with the lower classes of Creoles and native peoples Despite popularity Francia's dictatorship trampled on human rights imposing a police state based on espionage threats and force Under Francia Paraguay underwent a social upheaval that destroyed the old colonial elites After the military uprising of 14–15 May 1811 which brought independence Francia became a member of the ruling junta Although the real power initially rested with the military Francia attracted support from the nation's farmers Francia built his power base on his organizational abilities and his forceful personality By outwitting porteño diplomats in the negotiations that produced the Treaty of 11 October 1811 in which Argentina implicitly recognized Paraguayan independence in return for vague promises of a military alliance Francia proved that he possessed skills crucial to the future of the country