Alfredo Baldomir

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Alfredo Baldomir Ferrari (August 27, 1884–February 25, 1948) was an Uruguayan soldier, architect and politician. He served as President of Uruguay from June 19, 1938 to March 1, 1943 and is most notable for leading Uruguay to support the Allies during World War II.

Baldomir was born in Montevideo. He joined the army in 1900 and studied architecture and engineering. He designed many famous buildings in Uruguay, eventually directed the army corps of engineers and worked as a professor.

By 1930, Baldomir was becoming involved in politics. He served as chief of police of Montevideo from 1931 to 1934 and as defense minister of Uruguay from 1935 to 1938. He was elected president of Uruguay in 1938 as a member of the long-ruling Colorado Party. As President, Baldomir set a high priority in involving Uruguay in international affairs, and appointed the famous diplomat Alberto Guani as foreign minister. As World War II broke out, Baldomir discouraged support for the Axis within the country, and early in 1942, he broke off diplomatic relations with the Axis Powers. In 1942, Baldomir, now a general in the army, expanded his powers through a military coup dissolving parliament and declaring an emergency. His term, which was soon to expire, was extended for a year.

In 1943, Baldomir voluntarily held elections and gave up power, but the continued dominance of the Colorados was insured. He then retired and five years later died of an illness in Montevideo.

Preceded by Gabriel Terra

President of Uruguay 1938–1943

Succeeded by Juan José de Amézaga