Francia becomes a member of Paraguay's ruling junta after the cuartelazo (coup d'etat) of May 14-15, which brings independence.

Although real power rests with the military, Francia's many talents attract support from the nation's farmers.

Probably the only man in Paraguay with diplomatic, financial, and administrative skills, Francia builds his power base on his organizational abilities and his forceful personality.

By outwitting porteño diplomats in the negotiations that produce the Treaty of October 11, 1811 (in which Argentina implicitly recognizes Paraguayan independence in return for vague promises of a military alliance), Francia proves that he possesses skills crucial to the future of the country.