Five Pivotal Dates in Uruguay's History

1. 25 August 1825 – Declaration of independence from Brazil.
2. 18 July 1830 – Adoption of Uruguay's first Constitution.
3. 27 February 1904 – José Batlle y Ordóñez elected president, launching progressive reforms.
4. 26 June 1973 – Military coup begins a 12-year authoritarian period.
5. 1 March 1985 – Return to democracy with Julio María Sanguinetti's inauguration.

These milestones trace Uruguay's path from independence through democratic consolidation, reform, dictatorship, and democratic restoration.