The Rest Is History 261: Uruguay: The Tupamaros
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Nov 23, 2022 The podcast dives into the tumultuous history of Uruguay, spotlighting the rise of the Tupamaros guerrilla group amid socio-economic strife. Tales of their radical resistance include daring kidnappings and confrontations with oppressive regimes. Key figures like Raoul Sendik are examined, along with the controversial training of police by Dan Mitrioni. The narrative also touches on the brutal repression during the dictatorship, highlighting political prisoner Jose Mujica's inspiring journey from imprisonment to democracy.
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Kidnapping of Geoffrey Jackson
- British Ambassador Geoffrey Jackson was kidnapped in Montevideo in 1971 by the Tupamaros.
- He was held hostage for 244 days, during which time he grew a long beard and was kept in an underground basement.
Uruguay's Origins
- Uruguay was created as a buffer state between Brazil and Argentina due to British intervention.
- The British aimed to establish a rival port to Buenos Aires that they could control, influencing Uruguay's early history.
Uruguay's Economic Rise and Fall
- Uruguay's early 20th-century success was driven by wool and meat exports, leading to a strong welfare state.
- Post-WWII decline in commodity prices caused economic hardship, fueling social unrest and the rise of groups like the Tupamaros.