In 1512 the explorer, Juan de Solis, entered the gulf-like River Plata and landed upstream, 70 miles beyond Montevideo. Here were found Charrúa Indians, accounted by the Guaranís rather ferocious. On his next visit, 1515-16, Juan de Solis was slain by them with all his party that had gone on shore. It was many years later that permanent settlements were made in this region by Portuguese or Spaniards and not until 1726 was the city of Montevideo founded by Spaniards. In 1777 a rival Portuguese settlement was driven out by General Zavala of Buenos Aires. Subsequent to 1750 Montevideo was independent of Buenos Aires. After the Junta was formed in that city in 1810 the Spanish Viceroy for a short time had his seat at Montevideo; but the people soon became eager for independence. Under Artigas they waged war for years against the Spanish, the Portuguese, and also the Porteños of Buenos Aires. When in 1824 the power of Spain was finally destroyed in Peru, Uruguay alone was not independent. Accordingly a refugee in Buenos Aires, Lavalleja, with others, 33 in all (Treinta y Tres, a popular name in Uruguay), set out from Argentina, crossed the Uruguay River, gained adherents, captured Dolores, and August 25, 1825, established a government at Florida. In August, 1828, after many struggles Brazil and Argentina both acknowledged the independence of Uruguay; and May, 1829, Lavalleja entered Montevideo. In 1830 the Assembly elected Rivera President, after which Lavalleja tried to overthrow the Government. Under the second President, Uribe, one of the 33, a battle occurred when the colors red and white were used by the opposing parties, from which date the two parties: Red, Colorados, party of Rivera; Whites, Blancos, of Uribe and Lavalleja. Strife continued, the deaths of the leaders making no difference to the factions, and the parties continuing to the present with these names. In February, 1865, Flores, who had secured the support of Brazil, became dictator, but Paraguay having been previously asked to interfere continued the fight. Flores was assassinated, in 1868 occurred a terrible visitation of cholera, and in ’69 a financial crisis that ruined thousands. Troubles continued; until within the last few years no President has had an entirely peaceful term. In view of this fact the development and prosperity of the country has been remarkable.
Government
The government of the country is that of a centralized republic with the usual divisions; the President is elected for four years and not eligible for reëlection. The new Constitution which began to operate March 1, 1920, is unusually radical in character, a tendency observed in Uruguay some years ago. The Executive Power is shared by the President and a National Commission of nine members elected by the people. Some Members of the Cabinet are appointed by the President, others by the Commission. Congress elects the members of the Supreme Court, approves or rejects treaties. Bills may be presented to either Chamber by Cabinet Members, who may take part in deliberations or be summoned by a vote of one third to answer questions. A permanent committee, two Senators and five Deputies, represents Congress when it is not in session, and has power to convoke it.
| Departments | Area, in square miles | Population | Capitals | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On the Uruguay River | ||||
| Artigas | 4,400 | 37,000 | San Eugenio | 9,000 |
| Salto | 4,900 | 69,000 | Salto | 30,000 |
| Paysandú | 5,100 | 63,000 | Paysandú | 22,000 |
| Rio Negro | 3,200 | 30,000 | Fray Bentos | 12,000 |
| Soriano | 3,600 | 52,000 | Mercedes | 18,000 |
| On the Plata River | ||||
| Colonia | 2,200 | 78,000 | Colonia | 15,000 |
| San José | 2,700 | 56,000 | San José | 15,000 |
| Montevideo | 256 | 400,000 | Montevideo | 435,000 |
| Canelones | 1,800 | 110,000 | Canelones | 10,000 |
| Maldonado | 1,600 | 38,000 | Maldonado | 4,000 |
| On the Atlantic | ||||
| Rocha | 4,300 | 44,000 | Rocha | 12,000 |
| Bordering on Brazil | ||||
| Treinta y Tres | 3,700 | 38,000 | Treinta y Tres | 8,000 |
| Cerro Largo | 5,800 | 55,000 | Melo | 14,000 |
| Rivera | 3,800 | 44,000 | Rivera | 15,000 |
| In the Interior | ||||
| Tacuarembó | 8,100 | 58,000 | San Fructuoso | 9,000 |
| Durazno | 5,500 | 53,000 | Durazno | 17,000 |
| Flores | 1,700 | 17,000 | Trinidad | 13,600 |
| Florida | 4,600 | 55,000 | Florida | 10,000 |
| Minas | 4,800 | 64,000 | Minas | 15,000 |
The 19 Departments or States with approximate area, population, and capitals, beginning at the northwest, are given on the preceding page.
Population
The population of Uruguay, about 1,500,000, is practically of the Caucasian race with slight intermixture of Indian and Negro. The Indian tribes previously inhabiting the country were mostly exterminated, a few departing into adjoining regions, a few of the milder tribes being absorbed by their conquerors. In the north are some negroes near the Brazilian border and some of mixed blood. More than any other country of South America Uruguay is inhabited by a homogeneous white population.
Education
A fine educational system has been developed, with primary and graded schools throughout the country, so that hardly more than 25 per cent of the population is illiterate. Primary education is free and obligatory. In the Capital is a well equipped University with the usual Departments, including Engineering and Architecture; a School of Arts and Trades, kindergartens, and two Normal Schools; six of the latter are found in other cities. In the suburb of Montevideo is a School of Agriculture; four model farms are located at Colonia, Salto, Paysandú, and Cerro Largo.