The Southern Star (Montevideo) facts for kids
The Southern Star, also known as La Estrella del Sur in Spanish, was a newspaper published in 1807. It was printed every week in both English and Spanish. This newspaper was created by the British in Montevideo, Uruguay. It was the first newspaper ever made in that city.
The Southern Star only existed for a few months. This was during a time when the British Army had taken control of Montevideo. This happened during the second British invasions of the area. The newspaper was a private business, but the British Army supported it. They used it to spread their ideas. These ideas included promoting free trade (meaning goods could be bought and sold without many rules) and encouraging people to be loyal to the British King.
The main person in charge of the newspaper was likely Thomas Bradford. He was an assistant to General John Whitelocke. The person who translated the articles was Manuel Aniceto Padilla. He was a journalist from Upper Peru, which is now Bolivia. Padilla was also related to Juana Azurduy, who later became a famous leader in the fight for independence. After the British lost and left, Padilla went to Britain. He later returned to Buenos Aires after the May Revolution.
Why Was The Southern Star Created?
The British Army used The Southern Star to share their messages. They wanted people to support their ideas about trade and loyalty. This was a way for them to influence the people living in Montevideo.
However, the government in Buenos Aires, called the Real Audiencia of Buenos Aires, did not like this newspaper. They made it illegal to have or share copies of The Southern Star in Buenos Aires. If someone was caught with the newspaper, it was seen as acting against the King and the country.
The government asked a lawyer named Mariano Moreno to write articles that would argue against the newspaper's ideas. But Moreno said no. Even though he was loyal to the Spanish King, he felt that some of the newspaper's criticisms of the Spanish government were actually true.
What Happened to the Newspaper?
The Southern Star newspaper stopped being published after the British soldiers were defeated and left Montevideo. The printing machines used to make the newspaper were taken away. They were sent to Buenos Aires.
In Buenos Aires, the local government gave these machines to a special place. This place was called the Casa de Niños Expósitos. It was the main public orphanage in the city at that time. Today, it is a hospital called Hospital Pedro de Elizalde. The machines were also used to teach the children at the orphanage how to print. This helped them learn a useful skill.
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