Uruguayan State Formation: Artiguist Federalism to Modernization
1) Artiguist Federalism Project
The proposed Artiguist project aimed for offensive-defensive alliances among provinces, each preserving its power, jurisdiction, and rights not expressly delegated, as stated in the Instructions of 1813. This ensured that provinces had their own constitutions, governments, armies, and economic resources (land and enemy property), escaping tax-free trade and breaking the port monopoly of Buenos Aires.
The Artiguist project favored union based on respect for freedom, opposing separation and complete independence. The war against the Directorate would continue until its resignation, subjugating the rest of La Plata and accepting that provinces and towns under the protection of the Uruguay Province and the leadership of the Oriental people, including indigenous communities and missions, would have representation as stated in the Treaty of Concordia (1815).
Artigas had a comprehensive vision; Artiguist Federalism offered communities the first practical integration formula and provided the immediate instrument of government capable of ensuring the exercise of their sovereignty. The fall of Lecor in Montevideo, protectorate and the only port capable of counterbalancing Buenos Aires, and the subsequent loss of the Eastern Province, removing the main source of income, led to the decline of the Artiguist system.
Key documents include: The Instructions of 1813, Land Regulation of 1815, and the Provisional Regulations of Collectors of September 1815 (entry and exit fees for the port).
2) Uruguayan State Independence (1828)
The origin of the Uruguayan state can be traced to 1828. At that time, true independence was achieved through the Preliminary Peace Convention, signed by the Emperor of Brazil and the Government of the United Provinces. This document established the independent state known as Cisplatina, with defined boundaries. Brazil and Buenos Aires had previously invaded and monopolized Uruguay’s strategic port for financial gain, essential for maintaining their armies.
British mediation, particularly by Lord Ponsomby, was crucial. If the Banda Oriental were part of Buenos Aires, its ports could face unfavorable fees or restrictions on goods placement, impacting the Banda Oriental’s control over South American silver and trade. The Preliminary Peace Convention recognized Cisplatina as free and independent of any nation.
The year 1825 is not considered the date of independence because it was a self-proclamation by a few (the Treinta y Tres Orientales), supported by many but lacking foreign power recognition. Similarly, 1830 is not the date, as independence was already recognized in 1828, despite the absence of a constitution at that time.
3) The Great War (1839-1842)
Causes and Duration
The Great War lasted from 1839 to 1842 due to its complex characters, interests, and underlying causes. On one side were the Federalists (Oribe, Manuel Rosas, and the Blancos) defending the Eastern U.S., and on the other, Rivera, the Unitarians, the Colorados, and European immigrants (French, English, Italian). Sarmiento characterized this conflict as the campaign of red barbarism versus civilized capital.
Key Interests
- Influence of Liberal Ideology: For young people in Montevideo, identified with migrants, the triumph of Rosas and Oribe meant a return to obscurantism, reminiscent of Spanish rule. The struggle between individuals and federal reds and whites was an ideological one.
- River Navigation: The triumph of the Colorados was crucial for river navigation. If the Banda Oriental became a province of the Confederation, Paraguay would be absorbed, and the Uruguay and Paraná rivers would lose their international status, becoming internally navigable. This would harm European countries, as these rivers were key for their goods, and control by a single country could lead to high fees or restrictions, which Europe could not allow.
- Defense of European Immigrants: Between 1835 and 1842, over 20,000 immigrants arrived, many mistreated by President Oribe. After three years, they were no longer recognized as French, and some were even tortured. This situation ended with Brazilian intervention under five treaties signed by Andrew Lam, in exchange for not invading the Banda Oriental (as per the Preliminary Peace Convention), with territories north of the Cuareim River remaining part of the Banda Oriental. Rosas was defeated, fled to England, and his followers were punished.
4) Modernization in the Late 19th Century
The last 40 years of the nineteenth century witnessed significant upgrades due to new technologies, production methods, and societal changes. Under Prime Minister L. Torre (1876-1886), advancements such as the state-monopolized Mauser rifle, the telegraph for rapid communication and territorial governance, and the railroad for troop movement and order implementation in distant areas were introduced. Judges replaced alcaldes, the Rural Code was approved, and judicial registers for embargoes and bans were established, allowing for quicker and more efficient justice.
The state was secularized, separating church and government through the establishment of registry offices, justices of the peace for births, deaths, marriages, and legitimacy, and the Education Act, making education compulsory, free, and secular to combat anarchy and lawlessness. The Rural Code regulated livestock and land ownership, establishing cattle brands, fines and imprisonment for rustling, tavern regulations, forced mediation, and the Rural Police.
Field wiring limited properties and consolidated private ownership, saving labor, preventing stampedes and livestock loss, improving cattle raising, and controlling pasture mixing and subdivision. It also prevented intrusion, theft, and bull escapes.
The wire element further transformed rural areas:
- a. Perfected ranch exploitation, transitioning from subsistence to business.
- b. Decreased expenses by separating sick cattle.
- c. Improved livestock racial mixing and feeding.
- d. Led to the decline of small, landless ranchers.
- e. Consolidated Latifundio (large estates).
- f. Eliminated smallholder farmers.
- g. Gradually displaced rural labor.
- h. Eliminated owners unable to afford wiring, forcing them to sell their land.
- i. Caused the country’s first technological unemployment.
- j. Led to the appearance of slums.
- k. Contributed to the disappearance of the gaucho.
- l. Ended continual revolutions.