Civil conflict between Blancos and Colorados in Uruguay

Background. After the proclamation of Uruguayan independence in 1828, a conflict for primacy arose between Juan Lavalleja, leader of the Thirty-Three Orientals, and the veteran commander Fructuoso Rivera, who was chosen as the first President of Uruguay on November 6, 1830. On March 1, 1835, Manuel Oribe, another of the Thirty-Three Orientals, was elected as the second President, with Rivera remaining commander of the Army. Oribe pursued his own policies and in January 1836 removed Rivera from command, granting amnesty to Lavalleja. On July 16, 1836, Rivera rebelled against Oribe, and out of the military distinction marks of this struggle quickly emerged the conservative Blancos and the liberal Colorados.

Party Formation. The National Party traces its identity to 10 August 1836, when President Manuel Oribe decreed the use of the white banner with the inscription "Defenders of the Laws"; at the Battle of Carpintería, Oribe faced Rivera's revolutionary army and colored badges were used to distinguish the parties. The National Party is counted as founded in 1836 by Oribe. The Colorado Party was likewise founded in 1836 by Rivera, and was established in Montevideo on 17 September 1836.

Ideological Divisions. The Colorados represented the business interests of Montevideo, whereas the Blancos focused on agricultural interests in the countryside and promoted protectionism. The conflict was not merely military but reflected these economic and social divisions, with the Colorados arguing for 'civilization' against 'tyranny' amidst a diverse military force.