Uruguay History

Early settlers and the Europeans

The recorded earliest settlers of Uruguay are the Charrua tribe. This tribe was driven to the South by the Guarani tribes originating from Paraguay. The population multiplied by the arrival of a Spanish fleet who meant to make the island part of their territory. However, the bravery of the early settlers plus the non-existence of gold and silver, the Spanish were driven away. From then, the island became a subject of disagreement between Spain and Portugal.

A series of contention and emergence of a national hero

After the discovery of the island and its potential, life in Uruguay became a series of contentions and wars between three major European countries, Spain, Portugal, and Britain.

In 1811, Spain, who dominated most battles for sovereignty over Uruguay, was defeated by a rebel, Jose Gervasio Artigas. Artigas then formed Liga Federal, which became an influential and powerful party. With the knowledge of the party's strength, the Portuguese became afraid. Attacks were planned against Artigas and his army. These plans successfully defeated Artigas and soon Uruguay was in the hands of Portugal.

Civil wars

What followed Portugal's declaration of sovereignty over the island was civil war between two parties, the Blancos or the whites and the reds or the Colorados. Due to the conflicting motives of the two parties war broke in the country. This war climaxed to another, much bigger war called the "War of Triple Alliance", which lasted for five years. After exhausting all resources, it ended with an agreement between the two parties.

Developments

Subsequent to the wars, Uruguay was ushered to an era of peace and development both in the economic and political aspect of the country. The developments helped in the prospering of the lives of the citizens, which is still enjoyed ‘til today.