Origins & Early Life

José Fructuoso Rivera y Toscana (17 October 1784 – 13 January 1854) was a Uruguayan general who fought for the liberation of Banda Oriental from Brazilian rule, thrice served as President of Uruguay and was one of the instigators of the long Uruguayan Civil War. He is also considered to be the founder of the Colorado Party, which ruled Uruguay without interruption from 1865 until 1958. Rivera was a rancher who joined the army of José Gervasio Artigas in 1810. Eventually he rose to the rank of general.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

When Banda Oriental was occupied by the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves and the defeated Artigas forced into exile in 1820, Rivera stayed in the newly created Cisplatina province. He briefly served the Imperial Brazilian Army, reaching the rank of brigadier. Rivera first met with Juan Antonio Lavalleja in 1825, during an event that would become known as the Abrazo del Monzón (Embrace of the Monsoon). In the same year, the Thirty-Three Orientals led by Juan Lavalleja and their Argentine supporters, began their fight against the Empire of Brazil, Rivera joined the Argentinians. It's not clear if he joined voluntarily or was forced to join.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He soon became an...

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