Page "History of Uruguay" Paragraph 4

Montevideo was founded by the Spanish in the early 18th century as a military stronghold ; its natural harbor soon developed into a commercial center competing with Buenos Aires.

Uruguay's early 19th century history was shaped by ongoing fights between the British, Spanish, Portuguese, and colonial forces for dominance in the La Plata basin.

In 1806 and 1807, the British ( enemies of Spain in the Napoleonic Wars ) launched the British invasions of the Río de la Plata.

Buenos Aires was invaded in 1806, and then liberated by forces from Montevideo led by Santiago de Liniers.

A new and stronger attack in 1807 aimed to Montevideo first, which was occupied by a 10, 000-strong British force.

The British forces were unable to invade Buenos Aires a second time, and Liniers demanded the liberation of Montevideo in the terms of capitulation.

The British gave up their attacks over Spanish territories when the Peninsular War turned Britain and Spain into allies against Napoleon.