Like Francia, López has the overriding aim…

Like Francia, López has the overriding aim of defending and preserving Paraguay.

He launches reforms with this goal in mind.

Trade eases arms acquisitions and increases the state's income.

Foreign experts help build an iron factory and a large armory.

The new railroad is to be used to transport troops.

López uses diplomacy to protect the state's interests abroad, yet despite his apparent liberality, López is a dictator who holds Paraguayans on a tight leash.

He allows Paraguayans no more freedom to oppose the government than they had had under Francia.

Congress becomes his puppet, and the people abdicate their political rights, a situation enshrined in the 1844 constitution, which places all power in López's hands.