The Assembly of Year XIII (Spanish: Asamblea…
January 1813 CE
The Assembly of Year XIII (Spanish: Asamblea del Año XIII) is a meeting called by the Second Triumvirate governing the young republic of the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata (today's Uruguay, part of Argentina and Bolivia) on October 1812.
One of the objectives of the assembly is to define an institutional government system for the republic.
Without the presence of representatives from some of the provinces (such as the Oriental Province), it is inaugurated on January 31, 1813 (hence the name).
At the same time, it is to proclaim independence from Spain, and write the first constitution of the young state.
During the assembly, differing interests delay the declaration of independence, but a number of common points are successfully established:
The national coat of arms is chosen.
The national anthem is commended.
The Freedom of Wombs (Libertad de vientres) law, which puts an end to slavery, is passed (it dictates that children born from slaves since the passing of the law are automatically free citizens).
All titles of nobility (from the colonial period) are voided and suppressed.
The creation of the national currency is ordered.
The Spanish Inquisition and the practice of torture are abolished.
A statute is approved that replaces as Executive Power the Second Triumvirate for a unipersonal Supreme Directorship.