Terra, Gabriel

Terra, Gabriel

(gäbrēĕl` tĕ`rä), 1873–1942, president of Uruguay (1931–38). In his early career a member of the Colorado party under the leadership of Batlle y OrdóñezBatlle y Ordóñez, José
, 1856–1929, president of Uruguay (1903–7, 1911–15). A journalist and the head of the Colorado party, Batlle was a campaigner for political reform.
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, Terra served in several political and diplomatic posts. He suspended congress in 1933, disbanded the council of administration (a body created by the constitution of 1919 as a check on executive power), and abolished the constitution. After a new constitution, promulgated in 1934, restored presidential authority, Terra was reelected and ruled largely by dictatorial decree. He suppressed a serious revolt in 1935. During his administration, however, the socialization of the republic, begun by Batlle, was continued. He was succeeded by an elected president, Alfredo Baldomir.