History of Uruguay facts for kids

The history of Uruguay is made up of four different periods: the pre-Columbian time or early history (before the 16th century), the colonial period (1516–1811), the nation-building period (1811–1830), and Uruguay as an independent country (1830–present).

Early history (before the 16th century)

Hunter-gatherer people groups lived in Uruguay before the 1500s. It is estimated that there were about 9,000 Charrúa and 6,000 Chaná and Guarani when Europeans began arriving in the 1500s. Bolas have been discovered that are about 7,000 years old. Ancient rock art was also found at Chamangá.

Colonial period (1516–1811)

Spanish and Portuguese control of South America in 1754 CE

The Spanish arrived in 1516 looking for gold and silver. They called the area Banda Oriental, which means "east bank of River Uruguay"). Juan Díaz de Solís was the first explorer to land there, but the natives killed him. Other famous adventurers like Ferdinand Magellan and Sebastian Cabot explored the area but did not stay because they did not find gold or silver.

In 1603, the order of Hernando Arias de Saavedra brought cattle and horses to the area. The first permanent settlement was Spanish Jesuits in 1624 at Villa Soriano on the Río Negro, where they tried to establish an Eastern Mission system for the Charrúas.

In 1680, the Portuguese set up the town of Banda Oriental on the northern bank of the Rio de la Plata (River Plate). Spain attacked the Portuguese and established Montevideo. By the late 1700s, the Spanish had driven the Portuguese out of Uruguay and set up a Spanish colonial city hall called a cabildo. They divided the land among local cattle ranchers. By 1800, more than 10,000 people lived in Montevideo and another 20,000 in the rest of the province. Out of these, about 30 percent were African slaves.

The British, Spanish, Portuguese, and local people all wanted to control the area of the Río de la Plata Basin. Fighting began in the early 1800s. It looked like the British were doing well, but they then became allies against Napoleon and their focus changed.

Nation-building period (1811–1828)

Provincial freedom under Artigas

Flag of Artigas

José Gervasio Artigas, as depicted by Juan Manuel Blanes

Provincial political allegiances in 1816 CE

Jose Gervasio Artigas led the Uruguayans into war against the Spanish rule. Buenos Aires helped but backed out when the Spanish viceroy threatened to send Portuguese troops to take over Banda Oriental. Spain was allowed to keep control of Montevideo until 1813 when Artigas joined another army from Buenos Aires and took the city. The people proclaimed Artigas Protector of the League of the Free People. He divided land among small farmers.

In 1816, forces from Brazil invaded and took control of Montevideo. Banda Oriental became part of Brazil.

Proclamation of Constitution of 1830 CE

Oath of the Thirty-Three

Flag of the Thirty-Three

After more fighting, Brazil and Argentina signed the Treaty of Montevideo and agreed to recognize Uruguay as a buffer state between them. (A buffer state is a country or region between two hostile nations intended to keep them from fighting.) The Constitution of 1830 was approved in September 1829 and adopted on July 18, 1830.

Two parties

Soon after they won their independence, two political parties formed and began a civil war. The Blancos ("Whites") were the conservative party and the Colorados ("Reds") were the liberal party. They took their names from the colors of the armbands their supporters wore.

Wars continued to trouble the country until the Colorados took power and ruled without interruption from 1865 until 1958.

Batlle era (1903–1933)

José Batlle y Ordóñez served as President from 1903 to 1907 and from 1911 to 1915.

Poster of President Batlle after victory over Blancos in 1904

Batlle served as president from 1903 to 1907 and from 1911 to 1915. The Blancos tried to revolt one last time in 1904 but were not successful. The government, under Batlle, introduced many political, social, and economic changes, such as a welfare program, government participation in the economy, and a new constitution. Income tax for lower incomes was canceled in 1905, secondary schools were established in every city (1906), the right of divorce was given to women (1907), and the telephone network was owned and run by the government (nationalized) (1915).

20th century

Uruguay suffered during the Great Depression but its economy was successful during World War II and the Korean War. The country supplied beef, wool, and leather to the European countries and the United States.

Military dictatorship (1973–1985)

After the wars, the economy suffered again and a military dictatorship took place. The military made sure the dictator remained in power. Torture practices happened to anyone who opposed those in power until the end of the Uruguayan dictatorship in 1985.

Recent history

Modern Montevideo

Massive protests against the dictatorship happened in 1984. The military was forced to let civilians rule again. National elections were held later in 1984. Colorado Party leader Julio María Sanguinetti won the presidency. As president, he changed how the country was run and the economy improved.

Presidential elections have continued and Uruguay has experienced more economic growth and job opportunities.

Interesting facts about the history of Uruguay

• Uruguay was named after the Uruguay River, which means "river of the painted birds."
• The "Sun of May" (which first appeared during an important public gathering on May 25, 1810, in Buenos Aires) was seen as a promising omen during the region’s fight for independence from Spain. It is now on the top left corner of the flag of Uruguay.
• Suriname is the only country in South America that is smaller than Uruguay.
• In Uruguay, cows outnumber people four to one. It is a nation of 12 million cattle but just three million people.
• The eat the most beef per person in the world.
• Uruguay has the longest national anthem: it is more than 5 minutes long when performed.
• The Uruguayans have won the soccer World Cup twice. They were the first hosts and winners of the tournament in 1930 and won it again in 1950.
• In 2009, Uruguay became the first country in the world to provide every student with a free laptop and wifi access.
• The people of Uruguay love to drink mate, a (tea) made from the leaves of the yerba mate plant and boiling water.
• Over half of the country’s 3.3 million people live in the capital, Montevideo.

See also

In Spanish: Historia de Uruguay para niños

Images for kids

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  Montevideo in 1865

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  Blanco soldiers during 1897 Revolution

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  Government artillery unit during the Blanco uprising of 1904

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  National guards during the Blanco uprising of 1904