Uruguay is an excellent destination for all kinds of travelers. In Montevideo and Punta del Este, Uruguay offers fancy beaches and restaurants for those who enjoy high comfort and luxury travel. Additionally, in Colonia del Sacramento and the Uruguay wine region, you’ll experience a great, rustic atmosphere.
It’s perfect for those looking for peace and relaxation. Uruguay also gives travelers access to the Rio de la Plata and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a great country to visit all by itself, or we recommend adding Uruguay to any Buenos Aires or Argentina tour. Start planning Uruguay today.
History of Uruguay
The Portuguese were the first Europeans to set foot in Uruguay, and soon enough, the country contended between the Portuguese and Spanish Empires. During the Napoleonic Wars, Montevideo was finally occupied by a British force from February to September 1807. In 1811, José Gervasio Artigas started a revolt against the Spanish authorities and managed to defeat them on May 18 at the Battle of Las Piedras, becoming a national hero.
The newly formed nations of Brazil and Argentina continued battling for control of the region. In 1828 Uruguay was proclaimed as an independent state through the Treaty of Montevideo, fostered by the United Kingdom. Uruguay’s Independence Day was set for August 25 and is a national holiday. The nation’s first constitution was then adopted on July 18, 1830.
Post-Independence Uruguay History
From Independence till 1904, Uruguay’s political scene was determined by constant military conflicts and civil wars between the Blanco and Colorado Parties. In the 1950s, economic instability caused student militancy and labor unrest, which rose during the following decades.
In 1968 president Jorge Pacheco declared a state of emergency, followed by a further suspension of civil liberties in 1972. The establishment of a 12 years civilian-military regime started the next year. This involved intense political repression and a state of terror with many casualties.
National elections held in 1984 declared Colorado Party leader Julio MarÃa Sanguinetti the new president of Uruguay. Sanguinetti served from 1985 to 1990 and made a significant change to the country’s political scene. More importantly, he implemented economic reforms and consolidated democracy. Since then, Uruguay has been a democratic republic.
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