Siege of Montevideo (1811) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Siege of Montevideo
Part of the Argentine War of Independence
Date 21 May 1811 - 12 October 1811 Location Montevideo, Banda Oriental (present-day Uruguay Result Inconclusive
Belligerents
United Provinces	Spanish Empire
Commanders and leaders
José Rondeau Miguel Estanislao Soler José Gervasio Artigas	Francisco Javier de Elío Joaquín de Soria Jacinto de Romarate
Strength
At the beginning: 4,360-6,076	At the beginning: 1,270 6 guns

The First Siege of Montevideo was a military event that happened between May and October 1811. During this time, soldiers from the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata tried to take control of the city of Montevideo. However, they were not successful. Montevideo was still controlled by people loyal to Spain.

What Led to the Siege?

In 1810, a big change happened in Buenos Aires. This event, called the May Revolution, made the Spanish leave the city. But they still held onto an area called the Banda Oriental. Today, this area is known as Uruguay.

The Spanish leader, Francisco Javier de Elío, moved his main office to Montevideo. This city became the new capital for the Spanish in the region.

The Start of the Fight

In May 1811, a revolutionary leader named José Gervasio Artigas led his troops to victory. They fought against the Spanish in the Banda Oriental at the Battle of Las Piedras. After this important battle, the Spanish only controlled two cities: Colonia del Sacramento and Montevideo.

Artigas, along with another leader named José Rondeau, then began to surround Montevideo. This was the start of the siege.

Why Montevideo Was Hard to Take

Montevideo was a very strong city. It had powerful walls and defenses that made it hard to attack. Also, the Spanish navy controlled the Río de la Plata river. This meant they could get supplies and help by sea.

At one point, a Portuguese army came into the Banda Oriental. Spain had asked them for help. Because of this new threat, the United Provinces decided to make a deal. They signed a truce, or peace agreement, with Elío. This agreement recognized Elío as the ruler of the Banda Oriental.

The End of the First Siege

José Gervasio Artigas felt that this truce was a betrayal. He believed that Buenos Aires had given up too easily. Because of this, Artigas broke off his relationship with Buenos Aires. In October 1811, he stopped the siege of Montevideo.

Montevideo would eventually be captured later. Artigas and Rondeau finally took the city in 1814. This happened after a second, longer siege of Montevideo.

See also

In Spanish: Sitio de Montevideo (1811) para niños

• Dissolution of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata