Uruguay
Uruguay names 2 different subjects across the 6 encyclopedias on this shelf. Each is set out below. 1 of them is described by more than one encyclopedia.
Uruguay a republic of South America
Described by 2 of the 6 encyclopedias.
Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)
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.
Aiton's Encyclopedia (1910)
oo-roo-gui', the smallest country of South America . It lies on the Atlantic coast between the southern extremity of Brazil and the estuary of the Rio de la Plata . It is rudely triangular in form. The area is 72,210 square miles, a little larger than North Dakota . Population in 1908, 1,039,078. The inhabitants are chiefly Catholic, but there is a complete toleration. Spanish is the official language. Montevideo is the capital. There is a university here, giving instruction in law, medicine, and mathematics. There are also several preparatory schools as well as normal schools. The state is spending about $1,000,000 a year on primary education, which has been made obligatory. In 1908, however, over half of the population were classed as unable to read or write. The government is a republic. The legislative power is vested in a parliament of two houses. The president is chosen for four years. Agriculture is the leading industry. The principal crops are wheat, Indian corn, barley, millet, oats, rice, and flax. Grapes, tobacco, and olives are cultivated. Cattle, horses, and sheep are raised on an extensive scale. The chief exports are hides, tallow, meats, corn, yerba mate , wool, rubber, skins, and furs--amounting in all to $35,000,000 a year. The northern portion of the country possesses mines of gold, silver, copper, lead, and coal. Large areas are covered with forests sheltering the deer, otter, wildcat, ounce, wild hog, anteater, and turkey. The country became independent August 27, 1828. STATISTICS. The following statistics are from the latest trustworthy sources: Area, square miles 72,210 Population, 1908 1,039,078 Montevideo 316,000 Illiterates 350,000 Elementary schools 1,902 Pupils enrolled 79,000 Departments 19 Senators 19 Representatives 75 Public revenue $21,000,000 National debt $125,000,000 Imports $34,425,000 Exports $35,102,000 Railroad, miles 1,417 Domestic Animals-- Horses 659,000 Mules 20,000 Cattle 7,029,000 Sheep 18,000,000 Goats 9,000 Swine 52,000 Agricultural Products-- Wheat, bushels 8,000,000 Corn, bushels 4,500,000 Flax, bushels 600,000 Barley, bushels 300,000 Oats, bushels 100,000 Canary seed, pounds 446,000 Wine, gallons 2,297,000
Uruguay a river of South America
Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)
a river of South America, which rises in Brazil, in the province of Santa Catharina, flows first W., then gradually turns S., and finally enters the estuary of La Plata opposite Buenos Aires; length, about 800 miles.
What Has Changed in the Last Century
Collier's put the population at "about 1,500,000" in 1921 and called the Roman Catholic Church the "established religion" — in fact the constitution that took effect on 1 March 1919, which the same entry notes, had just separated church and state, and today's population is roughly 3.4 million. The "liberal and representative" politics the entry praised broke down twice: a presidential coup in 1933, and then a military dictatorship from 1973 to 1985, after which civilian rule was restored and has held since. The 19 divisions survive as departments, and Montevideo is still the capital, but the country is now better known for hosting and winning the first football World Cup in 1930 and for a run of unusual social laws — abortion legalised in 2012, same-sex marriage and state-regulated cannabis in 2013. Jerked beef, hides and tallow no longer "constitute the great bulk of the exports": beef remains important, but soy, cellulose pulp and software matter as much, and the 1,654 miles of railway of 1916 have largely fallen out of passenger use.
Written for this edition, 2026.