Uruguay experienced significant political turmoil during the late 20th century, marked by a military dictatorship that began with the 1973 coup d'état. The regime, which lasted until 1985, was characterized by severe human rights violations, including torture and the disappearance of political dissidents.
Paullier, J. (2018). WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAUGHT ABOUT URUGUAY. Beyond Borders. Retrieved September 4th from: https://explorepartsunknown.com/uruguay/what-you-should-have-been-taught-about-uruguay/
Pereira, M. (2013). Causas y Consecuencias. Retrieved September 4th from: https://ladiaria.com.uy/articulo/2013/6/causas-y-consecuencias/
The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. (n/y). Encyclopedia Britannica. The Military Regime. Retrieved September 4th from: https://www.britannica.com/place/Uruguay/The-military-regime
Milligan, B. (2016). Uruguay: 1973-85 - The Rise and Fall of Military Dictatorship in a Democratic Stronghold.Retrieved September 4th from: http://www.academia.edu/4179871/Uruguay_1973-85_-_The_Rise_and_Fall_of_Military_Dictatorship_in_a_Democratic_Stronghold
Repercussions
1. Emmigration peaked as people were looking for asylum in other countries
2. Museo de la Misericordia
3. Law of Expiration of the Punitive Claims of the State
granted the “forgiveness” of the crimes committed by the military during Uruguay’s dictatorship
4. Restorage of the perpetrated during the regime
music, censorship, human rights
5. Investigations against the military for their crimes during the regime.
6. Many people was traumatized by this Dictatorship
7. Recovering the social indicators and civil liberties that were once lost
8. Changes in Education
Compulsory
9. Uruguay became the first country to provide a laptop to every primary school child
10. The Military is mainly funded by the UN to ensure peacekeeping
11. IMF policies running the economy
Culmination
In 1984, there were strikes against the regime and in support of political prisoners.
In 1985 the military ceded control after accusations of violation of the human rights and an amnesty measure was passed in order to protect military personnel from prosecution.
On March 1, 1985, Colorado Party candidate Julio Maria Sanguinetti became the new president, he implemented economic reforms and consolidated democratization.
Dictators
Gregorio Álvarez (1981–1985).
Aparicio Méndez (1976–1981).
Alberto Demicheli (1976)
Juan María Bordaberry (1973–1976)
Causes
In 1973 the military took control.
Bordaberry became president in 1972 and continued with the oppressive policies. By the end of the year the army had effectively dissolved the Tupamaros.
Between 1967 and 1972 the president Jorge Pacheco Areco suppressed the leftist movement; expenses on military doubled from 13.3% of the budget to 26.2%.
The National Liberal Movement of Uruguay, the Tupamaros; motivated by the leftist movement of the Cuban Revolution of 1950, began committing crimes.
When and Where?
*The dictatorship has been the subject of much controversy due to its violations of human rights, use of torture, and the unexplained disappearances of many Uruguayans.*
Uruguay's democratically-elected Parliament continued working until June 27, 1973, when it was dismissed for resisting the military regime. Bordaberry created a new Council of State and put the military in control over civilian life. The new dictatorship was inspired by Brazilian military government, which said that the Cold War allowed all means to defeat the Left and Communists
The slow road to dictatorship started in late 1960s-due to weak government (collective presidency)
It ruled Uruguay for 12 years, from June 27, 1973 (after the 1973 coup d'état) until February 28, 1985.
