Batllismo, anarchism and socialism in Uruguay. The case of Leoncio Lasso de la Vega (1910-1913)

Abstract

This article focuses on the trajectory of Leoncio Lasso de la Vega; intellectual born in Spain who migrated to the Río de la Plata during the second half of the 19th century. Its course was observed according to three fundamental aspects; the contact maintained with the Uruguayan president José Batlle y Ordóñez; its proximity to the anarchism of the early twentieth century; and his disputes with the Socialist Party of the same time. These points were analyzed in the periodical press of the time, with a focus on the El Día and Salpicón organs. Through them, it was shown that Lasso de la Vega manifested a particular relationship between batllismo, anarchism and socialism of the Novecientos; sectors that presented clear points of contact, but also deep confrontations. In particular, it was observed that that figure maintained a clear admiration for Batlle, although he did not join his party, but launched his own candidacy for deputy. Likewise, the discussions that Lasso de la Vega had with socialism, which he used to criticize, but whose members he sought to incorporate as adherents of his independent candidacy, were analyze too.