Batlle y Ordóñez, José (1856–1929)

Uruguayan statesman, political reformer, and president 1903–07 and 1911–15. Many industries were nationalized by the state during his administration and significant improvements were made in the areas of working hours, pensions, and unemployment benefits. He also gave women the vote. Proposals made during his presidency subsequently influenced changes to the nation's constitution in 1917, with the creation of national socialist governance.

Batlle was leader of the Asociación Nacional Republicana (ANR; Colorado Party) and instituted major legislative changes during his second term in office, particularly in relation to social and governmental reform. The welfare state, however, funded by taxation on the livestock sector, was particularly fragile, as fluctuations in the market had major repercussions on the state finances.

His first term in office was less productive, having to contend with the 1904 civil war between Colorado and right-of-centre Blanco party factions.