Outbreak of the Uruguayan War, 1864 (1864)

The Uruguayan War began in 1864 as an undeclared conflict between Uruguay's Blanco government and an alliance of Brazil and the Colorado Party. Following failed negotiations and a refused ultimatum, Brazil initiated military reprisals in August, followed by a full invasion in December to support Venancio Flores' insurrection against the fusionist government.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Uruguay experienced intermittent struggles between Colorado and Blanco factions. Venancio Flores launched the Liberating Crusade in 1863 to topple the fusionist government of Bernardo Berro. Diplomatic tensions escalated when Brazil sent Minister José Antônio Saraiva to negotiate with Atanasio Aguirre, who succeeded Berro. Aguirre's intransigence regarding Flores' demands led Saraiva to abandon negotiations and side with the Colorados.

Diplomatic Breakdown. In July 1864, Saraiva's diplomacy facilitated mediated talks involving British and Argentine officials. However, on 10 August 1864, after a Brazilian ultimatum was refused, Saraiva declared that Brazil's military would begin exacting reprisals. Brazil declined to acknowledge a formal state of war, characterizing the conflict as an undeclared war for most of its duration.

Military Campaign. Brazilian forces invaded Uruguay in December 1864 to support the Colorado Party. Commander-in-chief Tamandaré received orders to begin retaliatory operations in August. The Brazilian–Colorado troops advanced through Uruguayan territory, taking town after town. The conflict was characterized by combined offensives against Blanco strongholds, culminating in the capitulation of the Blanco government in February 1865.

People involved

Sources

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