| National Hero of Uruguay Country: Uruguay |
José Artigas, the national hero of Uruguay, earned the title "Father of Uruguayan Independence." While the independence of modern Uruguay was proclaimed years after Artigas' exile, his struggles laid the foundation for the nation's sovereignty.
Born in the Spanish colonies of South America in the 18th century, José Artigas spent his youth as a gaucho, a skilled horseman and shepherd. In , he joined the Spanish army, primarily tasked with apprehending outlaws in the region. By , Artigas had gained significant military experience and offered his services to the revolutionary government in Buenos Aires, seeking independence from Spanish rule.
Artigas led the revolutionary army to a decisive victory in the Battle of Las Piedras, effectively besieging Montevideo from Spanish forces. However, Spanish reinforcements from Portugal's army in Brazil forced Artigas to retreat in a strategic maneuver. This retreat, involving over sixteen thousand soldiers, showcased Artigas' exceptional military prowess.
Artigas advocated for a decentralized confederation of liberated colonies, while the Buenos Aires government pursued centralized control. By , tensions between the two camps erupted into civil war. Artigas initially commanded a vast territory spanning modern Uruguay and central Argentina.
The decentralized nature of Artigas' territory weakened its defenses. In , Portuguese forces from Brazil invaded and forced Artigas to surrender after a prolonged three-year resistance. He spent the remainder of his life in exile in Paraguay.
Despite not witnessing the formal declaration of Uruguay's independence on August 27, , José Artigas' perjuangan paved the way for the nation's sovereignty. He died on September 23, , leaving a lasting legacy as a symbol of freedom and federalism in the region.