Revolution of 1897

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The Revolution of 1897 in Uruguay was an uprising by the Blanco (National Party) against President Juan Idiarte Borda’s government. It lasted from March 5 to September 18, 1897. About 3,000 Blanco rebels faced 10,000 government troops. The revolt was led by Aparicio Saravia and General Diego Lamas, who arrived from Buenos Aires with the “22 de Lamas,” along with allies like Isabelino Canaveris and Luis Alberto de Herrera. The government was commanded by Idiarte Borda and his officers, including José Villar.

A major battle occurred on March 17, 1897, at Tres Arboles in Río Negro, where Lamas’s forces defeated Villar’s army. The conflict grew out of accusations of electoral fraud by the National Party and demands for fair elections. After several months of fighting, a peace agreement was signed on September 18, 1897, ending the uprising and reaching a settlement between the National Party and the government.