Uruguay

Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)

2026 Editor's Note: This page uses language about race that was commonplace when the book was published and is offensive by today's standards. The text has been left exactly as it was printed, rather than cut or softened, so that the historical record — including how ordinary such language once was — is preserved. (Ed: ET 2026-07-22) a republic of South America; bounded on the N. and N. E. by Brazil, E. and S. E. by the Atlantic Ocean, S. by the Rio de la Plata, and W. by the Uruguay, which last-named rivers separate the state from the Argentine Confederation. Uruguay has an extreme length of 350 miles by a breadth of 320; area, 72,153 square miles; pop. about 1,500,000. Uruguay is divided into 19 provinces, and the chief towns are Montevideo (the capital), Maldonado, Salto, Paysandu, Mercedes, Colonia, and San José. Physical Features. - The coast to the N. of Cape Santa Maria is low and sandy, but S. and W. of it, and on the estuary of the Plata, it is more bold and indented, presenting some fine bays and harbors. The most important rivers in the interior are the Rio Negro, with its numerous affluents, and the Arapey, Daiman, Yaguaron, and Sebollati. The greater portion of the surface consists of an elevated plateau, penetrated by many fertile valleys along the S. coast line. The surface of this tableland presents a series of extensive plains, traversed by occasional ranges of hills of no great elevation, the whole being almost destitute of trees. The climate is remarkably mild and salubrious. The minerals are copper, potter's earth, umber. The soil is generally rich and fertile. Wheat, maize, barley, oats, rice, pulse, flax, hemp, cotton, tobacco and sugar are the products. Fruits and wine are produced in abundance. Zoology. Among the wild animals are the tapir, deer, ounce, monkey, paca, rabbit, and fox; and large packs of wild dogs roam over the plains. There are also many varieties of birds and water fowl. Vast droves of horses and horned cattle run wild on the pampas, the latter furnishing the jerked a jerked and salted beef, tallow, hides, horns, and hair, which constitute the great bulk of the exports of the country. Products and Commerce. - The imports of the republic are principally from the United States, Great Britain, Argentina, and Brazil. In 1919 the imports amounted to about $42,000,000; exports to about $137,000,000. In 1916 there were 1,654 miles of railroads, and 4,808 miles of telegraph in operation. For the year 1918-1919 the revenue was estimated at about $37,000,000; and the expenditure at about $34,000,000. The national debt was $173,703,000. Government. The constitution of Uruguay is liberal and representative. Religion. The established religion is Roman Catholic; other forms of worship are, however, tolerated. The inhabitants are chiefly Creoles of Spanish descent, the Indians and negroes being a comparatively small number. History. The territory forming the Uruguay was originpresent republic of of ally settled by a party of Spanish colonists from Buenos Aires, and its possession caused a subsequent war between Spain and Portugal, during which it was several times occupied by both. Eventually, however, the country remained in the hands of Spain, who annexed it to the viceroyalty of Buenos Ayres, under tal. On the the name of Banda Oriental. outbreak of the war of independence, the state espoused the side of Buenos Aires against the mother country, but soon separated from that republic. Annexed by Brazil in 1821, a war ensued, 1826-1828, which was terminated by a treaty of peace, effected through the agency of Great Britain in the latter year, by which the N. part of the territory known as the Seven Missions, was ceded to Brazil, and the S. portion declared an independent state under the style and title of Republica del Uruguay Oriental. Intestine commotions resulted, followed by a war between Uruguay and Buenos Aires. England and France being called on to interfere, an allied fleet blockaded Montevideo, 1848-1849, and peace was restored in 1851. In 1860 a revolution took place under Flores, who was defeated in 186 1863, but reinstated by Brazil in 1865, and assassinated in 1868. From 1868 on, political conditions improved considerably. Although there were, from time to time, minor disturbances in connection with the presidential elections, the latter were in the main held in accordance with the constitutional provisions, and as a rule, the candidates elected were permitted to assume their office. The resources of the country were developed more fully and many liberal and progressive laws were passed. As a result of the World War, the country during 1914-1915, passed through a severe financial crisis, which was partially relieved by foreign loans. constitutional convention In 1917 a adopted a new constitution, which went into effect March 1, 1919. As a result of the sinking by German forces of a Uruguayan ship, the Chamber of Deputies finally, on Oct. 7, 1917, voted to break off diplomatic relations with Ger- Cyc many. Eight German steamships, interned in the harbor of Montevideo, with a total tonnage of 42,000, were seized. Dr. Baltasar Brum was inaugurated as president on Sept. 19, 1919. Congress approved the Versailles Treaty of Peace with Germany, and on Nov. 24, 1919, it declared in favor of a League of Nations.