Uruguay at the time of independence has an estimated population of just under seventy-five thousand, of which less than twenty percent reside in Montevideo, the capital.

Indeed, the new nation is born with most of its population scattered throughout the countryside.

Political power centers on local leaders, or caudillos, who attract followers because of their power, bravery, or wealth.

There are three major caudillos at the time of independence: Fructuoso Rivera, Manuel Oribe, and Juan Antonio Lavalleja.

The first two are later elected presidents, Rivera from 1830 to 1835 and from 1838 to 1843 and Oribe from 1835 to 1838.

Their rivalry, which turns violent, leads to the formation of the first political groups, known as Colorados and Blancos because of the red and white hatbands, respectively, worn during armed clashes beginning in 1836.

The groups will subsequently become the Colorado Party and the National Party (the Blancos).