Abstract
The formative years of a country are vital ones. For it is during the initial stages of development that the patterns for the future are set. | The Spanish American colonies commenced their transformations between 1810 and 1823. For Paraguay, which began to evolve in 1810, the process centered around the figure of Dr. Jose Gaspar de Francia. In his rise to power, one can see the governmental structure take shape. The methods set forth by Dr. Francia have predominated. In this thesis I will attempt to show the Paraguayan metamorphosis. | The first chapter supplies background so important to an understanding of the forces which existed in Paraguay in 1810. The second gives a brief account of Dr. Francia’s early years. Chapters three through five show his rise to power and a brief sample of Francia’s rule.