Preliminary Peace Convention (1828) facts for kids

The Preliminary Peace Convention was an important agreement signed on August 27, 1828. It was signed by the Empire of Brazil and the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata. The United Kingdom helped them reach this agreement.

This treaty ended the Cisplatine War. It also officially recognized the independence of Uruguay.

The meetings for this treaty happened in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Representatives from Brazil and the United Provinces met from August 11 to August 27, 1828. The United Provinces was the country that later became Argentina. This agreement made Uruguay an independent country, separate from both Brazil and Argentina. Uruguay's independence was fully confirmed on October 4, 1828. This happened when the countries involved officially approved the treaty in Montevideo.

Why the Treaty Was Needed

By 1828, the Cisplatine War had reached a standstill. Argentina's army could not capture any big cities. Brazil's forces were stuck and did not have enough soldiers for a major attack.

The war was very expensive and seemed to have no clear winner. People in Brazil put a lot of pressure on their government to end the war. They wanted to solve it through talks and agreements.

Britain's Role in Peace Talks

On February 20, 1828, Brazil and Argentina decided to start peace talks. Great Britain helped them as a mediator. Britain wanted peace because the war was hurting trade in the Plata region. The blockade of Buenos Aires was causing big problems for merchants.

Lord John Ponsonby was chosen to lead these peace talks. Argentina did not want Brazil to keep control over Uruguay. Brazil wanted to keep its control over the Missões Orientais region. They also wanted free travel on the Plata River. Brazil refused to let Argentina take any part of the Cisplatine Province.

A New Idea for Peace

Lord Ponsonby came up with a new idea. He suggested that Uruguay should become an independent country. This idea would make both Brazil and Argentina happy. It would also bring peace back to the La Plata region.

Ponsonby also agreed to Brazil's demands. Brazil could keep the Missões Orientais. They also got the right to travel freely on the Plata River.

Argentina was against this idea at first. But Lord Ponsonby convinced them. He explained that spending more money on the war for the Eastern Province was not a good idea. Finally, they reached an agreement on August 27, 1828.

Uruguay's Independence Declared

The first two parts, or articles, of the treaty were very important. They stated that the Eastern Province (Uruguay) was now independent. It was independent from the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves. It was also independent from the Empire of Brazil, which came after. And it was independent from the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata.

How Uruguay's Independence Would Work

The tenth article of the treaty talked about Uruguay's future. It said that if a civil war happened within five years of Uruguay's constitution being approved, the signing countries would help. They would help the legal government stay in power.

After five years, this protection would stop. Then, Uruguay would be seen as completely independent. This meant that Brazil and Argentina could help the "legal government" without being asked.

Forming Uruguay's Constitution

The seventh article of the treaty was about Uruguay's new government. It said that representatives would create the political constitution for the province. Before the constitution was approved, it would be checked. Commissioners from Brazil and Argentina would examine it. They would make sure it did not have any rules that would threaten their own countries.

Free River Travel

An extra part of the treaty was added. It allowed both Argentina and Brazil to travel freely on the Río de la Plata. They could also use all the rivers that flow into it. This right was given for a period of fifteen years.

Historians' Views on the Treaty

Historians in Uruguay have different ideas about this treaty. They also have different views on how Uruguay became an independent nation.

Was Uruguay Always a Nation?

One group of historians believes that Uruguay already had a sense of being a nation before the treaty. They point to the rivalry between Montevideo and Buenos Aires. They also note the weak ties that connected the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata. And they mention José Gervasio Artigas's strong dislike of Buenos Aires's central control. Historians like Francisco Bauzá and Juan Zorrilla de San Martín support this view.

Foreign Influence on Independence

Another group of historians thinks differently. They believe Uruguayans still wanted to be part of the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata. They say Artigas was against central control, but he never wanted to separate completely. This group thinks Uruguay's independence happened because of outside reasons. They mainly point to the influence of the British. Historians like Eduardo Acevedo Vásquez and Alberto Methol Ferré hold this view.

When is Independence Day?

Historian Leonardo Borges argues about Uruguay's Independence Day. It is celebrated on August 25. He says this date does not show the true birth of the nation. On August 25, 1825, Uruguay was still part of Argentina. It was called the Banda Oriental. Borges thinks it "seems like nonsense" to celebrate August 25 as Independence Day.

Ana Ribeiro, a government official, says that all such dates are chosen somewhat randomly. She points out that Bastille Day in France does not celebrate the exact most important date of the French Revolution.

See also

In Spanish: Convención Preliminar de Paz (1828) para niños

• Constitution of Uruguay of 1830