This is a history book that studies the thought and actions of José Gervasio Artigas throughout the decade of his prominence (1810 –1820) as leader of the Federal League, which united his native territory of Uruguay to four neighboring provinces in today’s Argentina.
This was the period when the Spanish king’s abdication propelled elites across that country’s former American colonies to hastily construct new local institutions to carry on governing functions and to assure order and stability. Within a few years that new leadership had to do battle against the armies sent by Spain’s new leadership that attempted to reassert its control.
In the Banda Oriental—today’s Uruguay—Artigas, with democratic and egalitarian values, enjoyed wide support among the rural poor as well as the landed elite. His military victories over the Spanish, and then his successful defense of provincial autonomy before the imperialist ambitions of Buenos Aires, account for the spread of his influence to neighboring provinces and the creation of the Federal League.
His short-term successes infuriated powerful elites in both Buenos Aires and the Portuguese colonies of today’s Brazil. These, allied to the newly potent British empire, then collaborated to bring about his defeat. Artigas’ career, as seen in retrospect, was riddled with contradiction and ambiguity, yet his record of achievements is worthy of remembrance and honor.
The book provides information, largely ignored by previous historians, about his important dealings with three central figures in Argentina’s independence movement: Generals Manuel Belgrano. Martín Güemes, and José de San Martín.
This was the period when the Spanish king’s abdication propelled elites across that country’s former American colonies to hastily construct new local institutions to carry on governing functions and to assure order and stability. Within a few years that new leadership had to do battle against the armies sent by Spain’s new leadership that attempted to reassert its control.
In the Banda Oriental—today’s Uruguay—Artigas, with democratic and egalitarian values, enjoyed wide support among the rural poor as well as the landed elite. His military victories over the Spanish, and then his successful defense of provincial autonomy before the imperialist ambitions of Buenos Aires, account for the spread of his influence to neighboring provinces and the creation of the Federal League.
His short-term successes infuriated powerful elites in both Buenos Aires and the Portuguese colonies of today’s Brazil. These, allied to the newly potent British empire, then collaborated to bring about his defeat. Artigas’ career, as seen in retrospect, was riddled with contradiction and ambiguity, yet his record of achievements is worthy of remembrance and honor.
The book provides information, largely ignored by previous historians, about his important dealings with three central figures in Argentina’s independence movement: Generals Manuel Belgrano. Martín Güemes, and José de San Martín.
Pay easily by card, Klarna, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Not happy? You always have a 14-day money-back guarantee. Read more in our terms. If you have any questions, email us at hello@memmo.org.
Memmo makes studying easier – wherever you are in the world. We bring your course books and smart study tools together in one place: summaries, quizzes, podcasts and flashcards. Plus Ted, your study buddy who answers anything you wonder. Over 50,000 students already study here – built to help you learn faster and stress less.