Aparicio Saravia
Encyclopedia
Aparicio Saravia da Rosa (Cerro Largo
, Uruguay
, August 16, 1856 — Carovi, Brazil
, September 10, 1904) was a Uruguayan politician and military leader. He was a member of the Uruguay
an National Party
and was a revolutionary leader against the Uruguayan government.
ians Francisco Saraiva and Pulpicia da Rosa (his surname was later Hispanicized to “Saravia”). Aparicio was raised and educated mostly in the countryside, although he also had some higher education. At his father's death the Saravia brothers inherited a vast estate, called Estancia El Cordobés, situated in the department of Cerro Largo
, which is on the frontier with the Brazilian state Rio Grande Do Sul
.
Given that at that time the political frontiers between Brazil and Uruguay were not clearly delineated, the Saravia brothers had very close ties to Rio Grande do Sul, as well as with the revolutionary movements in that state.
Aparicio Saravia began his military activities at a very young age. He is believed to have participated in the so-called “Revolution of the Lances
” (Revolución de las Lanzas) (1870–1872) led by Timoteo Aparicio against the government of Lorenzo Batlle y Grau
, the father of José Batlle y Ordóñez
(a future political rival of Saravia’s).
In 1875, with two of his brothers, he participated in the Tricolor Revolution (Revolución Tricolor) under Ángel Muñiz. In 1877, he married Cándida Díaz, niece of a Colorado Party leader; Díaz had had to flee from home because her parents opposed the union.
at the Battle of Carpintería, which had led to the creation of the National Party.
Gumersindo Saraiva died in 1894, and Aparicio Saravia took over the revolutionary forces with the rank of General. Though the revolution began to fail by 1895, Aparacio Saravia not only earned the rank of General but also great prestige, as the newspapers in Montevideo
had been covering his exploits.
Parties, but nevertheless tension remained during the presidency of Julio Herrera y Obes
. The Blanco Party looked to Saravia for leadership.
Herrera y Obes was succeeded by Juan Idiarte Borda
, which angered the Blanco Party, which felt excluded from the workings of government and believed that the Colorado Party had violated the Peace of April. In 1895, Aparicio Saravia went to Montevideo as a representative of Cerro Largo, and in November 1896, Aparicio Saravia began agitating for revolution. However, government troops moved against the revolutionaries, who dispersed as a result.
In March 1897, Aparicio Saravia led a revolutionary force against the Uruguayan government at the frontier with Brazil at Aceguá, while Diego Lamas led another force from Argentina at Colonia
and José Núñez
led another at Conchillas
.
Aparicio Saravia’s forces were defeated at Cuchilla del Arbolito, in Cerro Largo department. Saravia’s younger brother Antonio (called “el chiquito Saravia”) died in this battle.
Idiarte Borda was assassinated by Avelino Arredondo
, and Juan Lindolfo Cuestas
attempted reconciliation with the Blanco Party at the Pact of La Cruz (Pacto de La Cruz) on September 18, 1897.
Within two years Lindolfo Cuestas had ceded the Presidency to José Batlle y Ordóñez
on an interim basis.
Aparicio Saravia served as an opposition leader in this time, and counted on the support of his own army. He served as a de facto, second leader of the country, with José Batlle y Ordóñez heading the government at Montevideo, and Saravia leading revolutionary forces in the countryside. Saravia agitated for revolution once again, but a civil war was avoided by a diplomatic mission, which resulted in a new pact signed at Nico Pérez
on March 22, 1903. However, Saravia subsequently believed that the Pact of La Cruz had once again been violated, and war erupted in 1904 between the government forces and the saravistas or Saravians. There were battles at Mansavillagra (January 14), Illescas
(January 15), and at Tupambaé
(June 24). The decisive battle, however, occurred at Masoller
(September 10, 1904).
Saravia was fatally injured at this battle after charging at the head of his troops. He was shot in the abdomen with a Mauser
bullet; his companions managed to take him across the frontier to Brazil, at a ranch named Carovi near Santiago, Rio Grande do Sul. He lay in agony for 10 days, suffering from peritonitis
, before dying from his wounds.
With his death, the Saravian Revolution failed, and on September 24, 1904, the Peace of Aceguá was signed, which finally brought stability to Uruguay. The Saravian Revolution was the last civil war in Uruguay's history.
He was buried at the pantheon of the Brazilian family of Pereira da Souza but in 1921 his remains were moved by Luis Alberto de Herrera to the cemetery of Buceo
in Montevideo. They were then moved to Santa Clara de Olimar
, where he was buried next to his family.
Cerro Largo
Cerro Largo may refer to:;Brazil*Cerro Largo, Rio Grande do Sul;Uruguay*Cerro Largo Department*Cerro Largo FC...
, Uruguay
Uruguay
Uruguay ,officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay,sometimes the Eastern Republic of Uruguay; ) is a country in the southeastern part of South America. It is home to some 3.5 million people, of whom 1.8 million live in the capital Montevideo and its metropolitan area...
, August 16, 1856 — Carovi, Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
, September 10, 1904) was a Uruguayan politician and military leader. He was a member of the Uruguay
Uruguay
Uruguay ,officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay,sometimes the Eastern Republic of Uruguay; ) is a country in the southeastern part of South America. It is home to some 3.5 million people, of whom 1.8 million live in the capital Montevideo and its metropolitan area...
an National Party
National Party (Uruguay)
The National Party , also known as the White Party , is a major right-wing conservative political party in Uruguay, currently the major opposition party to the ruling Frente Amplio government....
and was a revolutionary leader against the Uruguayan government.
Biography
He was the fourth child of BrazilBrazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
ians Francisco Saraiva and Pulpicia da Rosa (his surname was later Hispanicized to “Saravia”). Aparicio was raised and educated mostly in the countryside, although he also had some higher education. At his father's death the Saravia brothers inherited a vast estate, called Estancia El Cordobés, situated in the department of Cerro Largo
Cerro Largo Department
Cerro Largo Department is a department of Uruguay. Its capital is Melo.-History:During the 19th and early 20th centuries, when intermittent periods of civil war occurred in Uruguay, the department was a stronghold of the Blanco party...
, which is on the frontier with the Brazilian state Rio Grande Do Sul
Rio Grande do Sul
Rio Grande do Sul is the southernmost state in Brazil, and the state with the fifth highest Human Development Index in the country. In this state is located the southernmost city in the country, Chuí, on the border with Uruguay. In the region of Bento Gonçalves and Caxias do Sul, the largest wine...
.
Given that at that time the political frontiers between Brazil and Uruguay were not clearly delineated, the Saravia brothers had very close ties to Rio Grande do Sul, as well as with the revolutionary movements in that state.
Aparicio Saravia began his military activities at a very young age. He is believed to have participated in the so-called “Revolution of the Lances
Revolution of the Lances
The Revolution of the Lances occurred in Uruguay from September 12, 1870 to April 6, 1872.-Parties to the conflict:...
” (Revolución de las Lanzas) (1870–1872) led by Timoteo Aparicio against the government of Lorenzo Batlle y Grau
Lorenzo Batlle y Grau
Lorenzo Cristóbal Manuel Batlle y Grau was the President of Uruguay from 1868–1872.-Family Background and early career:He was the son of a wealthy merchant loyal to the Spanish crown...
, the father of José Batlle y Ordóñez
José Batlle y Ordóñez
José Pablo Torcuato Batlle y Ordóñez was the president of Uruguay in 1899 and from 1903 until 1907 and for a further term from 1911 to 1915. He was the son of former president, Lorenzo Batlle y Grau. His children César, Rafael and Lorenzo Batlle Pacheco were actively engaged in politics...
(a future political rival of Saravia’s).
In 1875, with two of his brothers, he participated in the Tricolor Revolution (Revolución Tricolor) under Ángel Muñiz. In 1877, he married Cándida Díaz, niece of a Colorado Party leader; Díaz had had to flee from home because her parents opposed the union.
Federalist Riograndense Revolution
Gumersindo Saraiva, Aparicio Saravia’s older brother, placed a large role in the federalist revolution in Rio Grande do Sul. The Saravia brothers led a force of 400 Uruguayan lancers who carried a banner that read Defensor da lei (Defender of the Law), which had been used by Manuel OribeManuel Oribe
Manuel Ceferino Oribe y Viana was the fourth president of Uruguay.-Biography:Manuel Oribe was the son of Captain Francisco Oribe and María Francisca Viana, a descendant of the first governor of Montevideo, José Joaquín de Viana...
at the Battle of Carpintería, which had led to the creation of the National Party.
Gumersindo Saraiva died in 1894, and Aparicio Saravia took over the revolutionary forces with the rank of General. Though the revolution began to fail by 1895, Aparacio Saravia not only earned the rank of General but also great prestige, as the newspapers in Montevideo
Montevideo
Montevideo is the largest city, the capital, and the chief port of Uruguay. The settlement was established in 1726 by Bruno Mauricio de Zabala, as a strategic move amidst a Spanish-Portuguese dispute over the platine region, and as a counter to the Portuguese colony at Colonia del Sacramento...
had been covering his exploits.
Leader of the Blanco Party
The Peace of April (La Paz de Abril) was signed on April 6, 1872, ending the Revolution of the Lances. The Peace attempted to introduce cooperate between the Blanco and ColoradoColorado Party (Uruguay)
The Colorado Party is a political party in Uruguay.- Aims :It unites Conservative, Moderate and Social democratic groups. It was the dominant party of government almost without exception during the stabilisation of the Uruguayan republic....
Parties, but nevertheless tension remained during the presidency of Julio Herrera y Obes
Julio Herrera y Obes
Julio Herrera y Obes , was a Uruguayan political figure.-Background:Herrera y Obes belonged to the Colorado Party....
. The Blanco Party looked to Saravia for leadership.
Herrera y Obes was succeeded by Juan Idiarte Borda
Juan Idiarte Borda
Juan Idiarte Borda was the 17th President of Uruguay. He is the last Uruguayan president to be assassinated.-Background:...
, which angered the Blanco Party, which felt excluded from the workings of government and believed that the Colorado Party had violated the Peace of April. In 1895, Aparicio Saravia went to Montevideo as a representative of Cerro Largo, and in November 1896, Aparicio Saravia began agitating for revolution. However, government troops moved against the revolutionaries, who dispersed as a result.
In March 1897, Aparicio Saravia led a revolutionary force against the Uruguayan government at the frontier with Brazil at Aceguá, while Diego Lamas led another force from Argentina at Colonia
Colonia Department
Colonia is a departamento in southwestern Uruguay. Its capital is Colonia del Sacramento, the country's second oldest city.-Economy:The region is the main producer of dairy products in Uruguay...
and José Núñez
José Núñez
José Núñez, born in Tacuarembó, was the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 6th President of Nicaragua from 10 March 1834 to 23 April 1835, from 25 January 1837 to January 1838, from 13 March 1838 to 1838 and from 17 November 1838 to 23 April 1839, respectively...
led another at Conchillas
Conchillas
Conchillas is a small industrial town located within the Colonia Department, in southwestern Uruguay.- Geography :Conchillas is located in southwestern Colonia, near the Arroyo Conchillas. It has coasts over the Río de la Plata. Colonia del Sacramento, the capital city of the department and one of...
.
Aparicio Saravia’s forces were defeated at Cuchilla del Arbolito, in Cerro Largo department. Saravia’s younger brother Antonio (called “el chiquito Saravia”) died in this battle.
Idiarte Borda was assassinated by Avelino Arredondo
Avelino Arredondo
-Background:Arredondo was a strong supporter of a rival faction of the ruling Colorado Party government of President of Uruguay Juan Idiarte Borda. An apparent attempt was made on the life of President Idiarte in the spring of 1897, and which was widely publicized, including in El Día, edited by...
, and Juan Lindolfo Cuestas
Juan Lindolfo Cuestas
Juan Lindolfo Cuestas was a Uruguayan politician and served as the president of Uruguay from 1897 until 1899 and for a second term from 1899 to 1903.-Background:...
attempted reconciliation with the Blanco Party at the Pact of La Cruz (Pacto de La Cruz) on September 18, 1897.
Within two years Lindolfo Cuestas had ceded the Presidency to José Batlle y Ordóñez
José Batlle y Ordóñez
José Pablo Torcuato Batlle y Ordóñez was the president of Uruguay in 1899 and from 1903 until 1907 and for a further term from 1911 to 1915. He was the son of former president, Lorenzo Batlle y Grau. His children César, Rafael and Lorenzo Batlle Pacheco were actively engaged in politics...
on an interim basis.
Aparicio Saravia served as an opposition leader in this time, and counted on the support of his own army. He served as a de facto, second leader of the country, with José Batlle y Ordóñez heading the government at Montevideo, and Saravia leading revolutionary forces in the countryside. Saravia agitated for revolution once again, but a civil war was avoided by a diplomatic mission, which resulted in a new pact signed at Nico Pérez
Nico Pérez
Nico Pérez is a small town in the Florida Department of central Uruguay. It is located on the border with Lavalleja Department, joint with the town José Batlle y Ordoñez of that department. They are separated partly by Ruta 7 and partly by the railroad tracks...
on March 22, 1903. However, Saravia subsequently believed that the Pact of La Cruz had once again been violated, and war erupted in 1904 between the government forces and the saravistas or Saravians. There were battles at Mansavillagra (January 14), Illescas
Illescas
-Places:* Illescas, San Luis Potosí, Mexico* Illescas Peninsula, Peru* Cerro Illescas, Peru* Illescas, Toledo, Spain* Illescas, Florida, village in Uruguay* Illescas, Lavalleja, village in Uruguay-People:*Gonzalo de Illescas - Spanish historian...
(January 15), and at Tupambaé
Tupambaé
Tupambaé is a village in the Cerro Largo Department of eastern Uruguay. It is located on the border with Treinta y Tres Department, on Km. 334 of Route 7, about southwest of Melo. The railroad track Montevideo - Melo pass through the south part of the village...
(June 24). The decisive battle, however, occurred at Masoller
Battle of Masoller
The Battle of Masoller, which occurred on September 1, 1904, was the final battle of the intermittent Uruguayan Civil War which marked much of 19th century Uruguay, resulting in the victory of the Colorado forces.-Location and historical background:...
(September 10, 1904).
Saravia was fatally injured at this battle after charging at the head of his troops. He was shot in the abdomen with a Mauser
Mauser
Mauser was a German arms manufacturer of a line of bolt-action rifles and pistols from the 1870s to 1995. Mauser designs were built for the German armed forces...
bullet; his companions managed to take him across the frontier to Brazil, at a ranch named Carovi near Santiago, Rio Grande do Sul. He lay in agony for 10 days, suffering from peritonitis
Peritonitis
Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the serous membrane that lines part of the abdominal cavity and viscera. Peritonitis may be localised or generalised, and may result from infection or from a non-infectious process.-Abdominal pain and tenderness:The main manifestations of...
, before dying from his wounds.
With his death, the Saravian Revolution failed, and on September 24, 1904, the Peace of Aceguá was signed, which finally brought stability to Uruguay. The Saravian Revolution was the last civil war in Uruguay's history.
He was buried at the pantheon of the Brazilian family of Pereira da Souza but in 1921 his remains were moved by Luis Alberto de Herrera to the cemetery of Buceo
Buceo
Buceo is a barrio in Montevideo, Uruguay. It borders To the Pocitos and Villa Dolores to the west, Parque Batlle, Unión and Malvín Norte to the north, Malvín to the east and the coastline to the south. The coastal avenue along Buceo takes on the names Rambla Armenia and Rambla República de Chile...
in Montevideo. They were then moved to Santa Clara de Olimar
Santa Clara de Olimar
Santa Clara de Olimar is a small town in the Treinta y Tres Department of eastern Uruguay. It is located on the border with Cerro Largo Department, on Km...
, where he was buried next to his family.
See also
- Masoller#Historical background