Paradise Uruguay Real Estate Network

1516 Uruguay is discovered by Juan Diaz de Solis Diaz de Solis sails up the large river (which he named Rio de Santa Maria and is currently known as the Rio de la Plata) looking for a passage to the Indies. En route he notices indigenous people on the shore and decides to investigate. Solis and his landing party are killed by the native Charrúa, a small semi-nomadic tribe. The Charrúa fight fiercely against Spanish colonization, but are eventually driven off or killed.

1617 Livestock farming begins The Spanish are not aggressive about conquering this region due to a lack of precious metals. However, the region’s vast prairies, large supplies of water, and favorable climate create an ideal environment for livestock, which quickly forms Uruguay’s economic base.

1726 Spanish found Montevideo After driving out the Portuguese (who have started settling in the area) the Spanish develop Montevideo, with its large natural harbor, as a military stronghold and major commercial center.

1811 – 1814 Revolutionary war against the Spanish The American and French revolutions provide a model of self-rule for the settlers who want to disengage from Spanish administration. Leading the fight for independence is General José Gervasio Artigas, who is a respected statesman and becomes Uruguay’s national hero.

1821 War with the Portuguese In 1821 the Portuguese annex the Provincia Oriental de Rio de la Plata (present day Uruguay) to Brazil. General Artigas has left the battlefield to retire in Paraguay. However, the flame of independence survives in the hearts of thirty-three men (the Thirty-Three Immortals), who start a grass roots crusade for liberation and lead Uruguay to independence in 1825.

1825 Declaration of Independence

1827 Great Britain advocates for an independent Uruguay Great Britain opposes the Portuguese expansion and helps facilitate the formation of an independent Uruguay to serve as a buffer state between Argentina and Brazil.

1828 Creation of the State of Uruguay

1830 Constitution is proclaimed and first president is elected

1830 – 20^th Century: internal revolts, civil wars, and counterrevolution In these struggles the two dominant political parties emerge: The Colorados (Reds), and the Blancos (Whites). These political parties form alliances with Argentina and Brazil to gain advantage over one another. At one point Paraguay comes to the assistance of the Blanco Party, which results in the Triple Alliance War in which Argentina, Uruguay’s Colorados, and Brazil form a military alliance against Paraguay.

1900 – 1950 National high point - strong economy and social legislation Market demand for beef, wool, and leather is strong. There is enough surplus wealth created to finance the many social programs that are introduced by President Jose Batlle y Ordonez. Due to Uruguay’s wealth, progressive social programs, and stable democracy, Uruguay is called “the Switzerland of the Americas” and attracts many European immigrants.

1951 Office of President is abolished and replaced with nine-person counsel This is one of Batlle’s social ideas that is enacted after his term as President is expired.

Mid-1950s: Strong Uruguayan economy starts to falter After WWII world food prices drop and the increasing use of synthetics cause a decline in wool and leather prices. By the mid-1950s the economy is too weak to support the Country’s social programs and increased government bureaucracy. Widespread desperation from unemployment and inflation prompts strikes, demonstrations, and the formation of new political groups.

1967 New constitution The new constitution restores a single president and provides new legal codes.

1973-1984 Uruguay ruled by military government The protest activities of the Tupamaro National Liberation Front (a Marxist guerrilla group that opposes the government) escalate to bank robbery, kidnapping, and murder. After 15 years of economic stagnation, capital flight, high inflation, social unrest, and political violence, the military is granted power to restore order. After the Tupamaro is disbanded and civil order is restored, the military retains government control for the stated purpose of restoring the economy. The military’s disregard for human rights (which includes kidnapping, widespread torture, and murder) prompts thousands of Uruguayans to leave the country.

1985 Return to civilian rule and economic recovery National elections are held in 1984. The Colorado President serves from 1985-1990. He nurtures the return of democracy and stabilizes the economy by attracting foreign trade and capital. From 1990 – 1995 the National (Blanco) Party President achieves continued economic growth by lifting economic restrictions and encouraging privatization. During this time Uruguay becomes a founding member of MERCOSUR, a Southern Cone trading bloc, which includes Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. From 1995 – 2000 there is a Colorado/National Party coalition government. The two parties cooperate to make further economic advances and create reforms to improve the electoral system, repair the bankrupt social security system, and to improve education. [Note: See Political Parties/Coalitions under Government section for party descriptions]

1999 – 2003 Regional economic crises Uruguay’s main trading partners, Argentina and Brazil, go into recession. This starts a chain reaction toward a financial and banking crisis in Uruguay. Per capita GDP falls from $6,800 in 1998 to $3,300 in 2003 and more Uruguayans leave the country. The sitting President mitigates the crisis by seeking international trade and attracting foreign investment.

2004 First Frente Amplio Party President Tabaré Vázques, the former Mayor of Montevideo and left-of-center candidate from the Frente Amplio party, won the 2004 Presidential election. This is the first time in 170 years that a president has been elected from outside of the Colorado/Blanco two-party system.

By David Hammond