How Uruguay Almost Became Part Of Brazil: Uruguay's Fight For Independence

Uruguay tends to play the part of the underdog, often overshadowed by its enormous South American neighbours. The country’s unique fight for independence portrays how they played the part of David against Goliath. Uruguay found itself in a 4 way fight that almost had them ending up as a part of the newly formed, Portuguese Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves.

Present day South America is made up extensively of Spanish speaking countries, a speckle of English, Dutch and French in the north east, and the biggest country of Brazil speaking Portuguese, however the map of South America, circa 1750 looked much different. The whole west coast from what is now Venezuela down to the southern parts of Chile had been explored and settled by the Spanish; where as the east, following the main waterways and rivers, had been almost completely settled by the Portuguese. The central parts of the country having to be explored by foot or horseback, were still up for grabs, but the precious territory was the coast.

As this exploration increased, and countries began to solidify borderies, territories and constitutions, Uruguay, known then as Banda Oriental, acted as a buffer zone between the expanding Portuguese Brazil to the northeast, and the United Provinces of the Rio de La Plata, soon to be Argentina, to the south west. The mother countries of these two infant nations, Spain and Portugal, wanted to cash in their chips, stake a claim to the Banda Oriental, and keep some of their empire in South America.

At this time, a revolutionary military group, known as the Treinta y Tres Orientales, led by Juan Antonio Lavalleja, who fought alongside Jose Gervasio Artigas, descended upon Cisplatina to organize an alliance with Rio de La Plata, and secede from the Empire of Brazil. The Brazilians responded and sparked the Cisplatine War to defend their newest territory.

The war lasted almost two years and eight months resulting in the Treaty of Montevideo, and although the constitution was not solidified for another year, both countries of Argentina, and Brazil agreed to recognize the territory between them, as the independent country of Uruguay.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.