Passion or Profession: President

Period: 1788–1854

Rivera was a high-ranking military official during the Uruguayan fight for independence. He eventually was able to use his military sway to become the country's first president in 1830. Soon after he took office, a civil war erupted in which Rivera and his Colorado Party were pitted against Manuel Oribe and the Blanco Party. Rivera was finally forced out of power and into exile in 1845. He returned shortly before his death in 1854.