Alternative History
República Unida de la Pampa
República Unida do Pampa
Pampa
Timeline: The Sun of the Andes
OTL equivalent: Uruguay and Riograndense
Uruguay Flag
National flag
Motto: 
Con libertad ni ofendo ni temo / Com a liberdade não ofende nem teme
Anthem: 
National Anthem of the Pampas
Pampa - The Sun of the Andes
CapitalMontevideo (until 1962), Novo Bagé (from 1962)
Largest city Montevideo
Other cities Porto Alegre, Rio Grande, Rivera and Pelotas
Official languages Spanish and Portuguese (co-official languages)
Other languages Portuñol and Guarani
Ethnic groups  Mestizos, Whites (European), Afro-Pampeans and Amerindians
Religion Secular state (officially since 1905), Catholicism (official religion from 1840 to 1905), Protestantism, Afro-American religions, Spiritism and Deism
Demonym Pampean (pampeano, -na). Also still used: Uruguayan (uruguayo/a) and Riograndense
Government Presidential republic
 -  Presidente Florencia Garza
Legislature General Assembly
 -  Upper house Senate
 -  Lower house Chamber of Representatives
Key Events
 -  Confederal union of Uruguay and Riograndese 1836 
 -  Unitary republic 1862 
Area
 -  457,922 km2 
176,805 sq mi 
Population
 -   estimate 14,300,000 
Currency Confederal Peso -> Pampean Peso (Peso Pampeano, $P)
Time zone UTC-4
Date formats dd-mm-yyyy
Drives on the right

The United Republic of Pampa (República Unida de la Pampa / República Unida do Pampa) is a state in the southeastern region of South America. It borders Argentina to the west and Brazil to the north. Pampa is a unitary presidential republic. Pampas was born as the confederation (1836-1862) and later the full unification of Uruguay and Riograndense, both born from successful rebellions from their powerful neighbours of Argentina and Brazil.

The Pampa is considered the Guacho homeland of South America. In the Wars of Independence of Uruguay and Riograndense the rebellious cavalries were made up of Gauchos. The Pampean culture is still largely influenced by the old Gaúchos. From an inestable country due to its civil wars between liberals (colorados) and conservatives (blancos) in Uruguay and Riograndense, before and after their unification and lasting until the beginning of the 20th century it became a sort of Switzerland of South America both in its form of government, economical and political stability, social welfare and financial services.

Pampa has its neutrality guaranteed by treaties with Argentina and Brazil, although it upholds a national policy of armed neutrality and therefore keeps a substantial army, navy and airforce along with a national militia and military training for all men and women. Its foreign policy is frequently involved in peacebuilding processes around the world. Its membership in regional of international alliances its conditioned to this policy of neutrality and favors arbitration as a means to solve regional and international conflicts.

History[]

The Oriental War[]

The Oriental War in Brazil, was the republican uprising that began in southern Brazil, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in 1829 that lead to the creation of the Riograndense republic. The rebels were known as "ragamuffins" (farrapos) after the fringed leather worn by the gauchos.

The uprising began due to the difference between the economy of Rio Grande do Sul and the rest of the country. Unlike the other states, the state economy focused in the internal market rather than exporting commodities. The state's main product, charque (dried and salted beef), suffered badly from competition from charque imported from Uruguay and Argentina, which had free access to Brazilian markets while the gauchos (as residents of Rio Grande do Sul are called) were charged high taxes inside Brazil.

Confederacy[]

Flag of Uruguay

Uruguay (1824-1836)

Flag of the Piratini Republic

Riograndese republic (1828-1836)

The union of Uruguay and Riograndense was in the form of a confederacy. The Colorado rule was characterised by its control of the elections inboth Uruguay and Riograndense and the confederacy by means of bride, fraud, electoral bosses, and state intervention. In all the period of the Confederacy (1836-1862), save for a year, it was ruled by the Colorado Party. Its main opponent, the National or Blanco Party, tried by successive failed armed revolts gain control of Pampa.

Fructuoso Rivera and José Gomes de Vasconcelos were the key military and political leaders of the Confederacy. Rivera, already consolidating his power and that of the Colorado’s in Uruguay, focused on strengthening the confederacy despite rebellions from the Blancos. Gomes de Vasconcelos, a major figure in Riograndeses independence and establishing its political and military institutions. Although a Riograndese patriot he was keen on promoting the confederacy as a means to secure independence. Gomes de Vasconcelos major breakthrough was in promoting the political union of Uruguayan Colorados and Riograndense Liberals in the new Colorado party in 1848 with its sisters branches and clubs in both halves of the confederacy in equal footing.

Both Rivera and Vasconcelos prioritized strong ties with Argentina and Paraguay, vital for securing the confederation's borders against Brazil. They also shared an interest in promoting trade and industry, crucial for economic growth. However, a key difference emerged regarding the Blanco Party. While the Colorados championed civil liberties, they remained apprehensive about sharing power with their political rivals.

As a confederacy each state kept its own institutions (executive and legislative) and had a common President and legislature (General Assembly) and an independent judiciary common to both states. The president was elected for a five year term by the General Assembly.

Government[]

The United Republic of Pampa is a unitary state with a representative democratic presidential system. The Executive Power is exercised by the president and a Council of Ministers. The President and Vice-president are elected for a five-year term by a universal suffrage system.

The legislative power is constituted by the General Assembly, composed of two chambers: the Chamber of Representatives, representing the departments, elected based on proportional representation; and the Senate, consisting of members elected for a five-year term by proportional representation. The Vice-President, who presides over the Senate.

The judicial branch is exercised by the Supreme Court, the Judicial District Courts and Departmental Judiciary. The members of the Supreme Court are elected by the General Assembly; the members of the lowers courts are named by the Supreme Court.

The National Constitution allows citizens to repeal laws or to change the constitution by popular initiative, which culminates in a nationwide referendum.

Heads of State and Government[]

Confederation (1836-1862)
  • General Fructuoso Rivera (1836-1841 Colorado)
  • General David Carneiro (1841-1846 Liberal, later Colorado)
  • General Fructuoso Rivera (1846-1851 Colorado)
  • General José Gomes de Vasconcelos (1851-1856 Colorado)
  • Juan Francisco Giró (1856-1856, Blanco)
  • General Venancio Flores (1856-1862 Colorado- Partido de Unificación Nacional PUN 1861) came to power after Coup of 1856
Unitary Republic (1862 to date)
  • General Venancio Flores (1862-1862 PUN)
  • General Manuel Correia (1862-1867 PUN -> Partido Colorado de Pampa 1863)
  • Bernardo Suarez (1867-1870 (Colorado) Resigned
  • Benigno Silveira (1870-1875 Colorado)
  • General Lorenzo Latorre (1875-1880 Colorado)
  • General Silvio Pereira (1880-1882 Partido Constitucional)
  • General Lorenzo Latorre (1882-1887 Colorado) came to power after Coup of 1882
  • Venâncio de Oliveira (1887-1892 (Colorado)
  • Júlio de Castilhos (1892-1897 Colorado-Radical)
  • Ulisses da Cunha (1897-1901 Partido Constitucional)
  • José Batlle y Ordóñez (1901-1905 Colorado-Radical)
  • Júlio de Castilhos (1905-1909 (Colorado-Radical)
  • José Gomes Pinheiro Machado (1909-1913, Partido Nacional)
  • José Batlle y Ordóñez (1913-1917, Colorado-Radical)
  • João Antunes (1917-1921, Colorado-Radical)
  • Daniel Goycochea (1921-1925, Partido Nacional)
  • ...

Politics[]

The Colorado-Radical Party, historically known as the Colorado Party (Partido Colorado), is a prominent liberal and social liberal political entity in Pampa. Established through the merger of Uruguay's historic Colorado Party and the Liberal Party of Riograndese, the party was officially formed in 1848, marking a major moment in Pampean political history. For a brief period between 1861 and 1863, it was renamed the National Unification Party (Partido de Unificación Nacional, PUN), playing a critical role in the transition from a Confederacy to a Unitary Republic. Historically, the Colorado-Radical Party has been the dominant political force in Pampa and by extension showcasing its enduring influence and appeal, as its historical former Uruguayan and Riograndese counterparts.

The party's ideology encompasses a broad spectrum of beliefs, including Krausism, liberal conservatism, and a general pragmatism that has appealed to a diverse membership base. Its support primarily comes from urban centers, attracting the backing of artisans, liberal professionals, and those with capitalist and industrial interests.

National Party (Partido Nacional, PN), founded in 1836 by Manuel Oribe, also recognized as the Blanco Party, stands as Uruguay's oldest active political party. Its foundation is deeply intertwined with the early political development of Uruguay and the broader Pampean state. Ideologically, the party leans towards the center-right, advocating for liberal, nationalist principles and championing the interests of landowners and the agricultural sector.

The National Party is a staunch advocate for decentralization, with its political and electoral support predominantly coming from rural areas. This reflects the party's commitment to addressing the concerns and aspirations of Uruguay's and Pampa's countryside communities. The return of members from the Constitutional Party has also seen the National Party integrating policies aimed at improving the working and living conditions of rural workers, further solidifying its base.

Emerging in 1878, the Constitutional Party (Partido Constitucional) was formed by dissident members of the Blanco Party, marking a significant schism within Pampa's political landscape. The party, occupying a center-right position, was characterized by its liberal-conservative, nationalist, and constitutionalist ideology. It was particularly vocal about the importance of fair elections, the elimination of electoral fraud, and opposing Colorado electoral dominance.

With a strong support base among the conservative urban electorate, modern landowners, and those involved in farming and grazing, the Constitutional Party was historically focused on legal and social reforms. It has successfully elected two presidents to the helm of Pampa, General Silvio Pereira (1880-1882) and Ulisses da Cunha (1897-1901).

The Workers' Party (Partido de los Trabajadores / Partido dos Trabalhadores, PTP), established in 1939, represents the major left and center-left political force in Pampa. It was born from the merger of various non-communist left and center-left groups, including left-wing intellectuals and trade union leaders. The party's formation was significantly influenced by the then-President Getulio Vargas, who sought to consolidate the left's influence within the country.

Positioned on the left of the political spectrum, the Workers' Party has been instrumental in advocating for the rights and welfare of the working class, pushing for comprehensive social reforms and workers' rights. Its creation marked a pivotal moment in Pampa's political history, embodying the growing influence and organization of the left in response to the country's evolving social and economic challenges.

The Communist Party of Pampa (Partido Comunista de Pampa / Partido Comunista do Pampa, PCP), established in 1921, occupies a distinct place on the far-left of Pampa's political spectrum. Emerging during a period of significant global unrest and the rise of communist ideologies, the PCP was created as a response to the entrenched social disparities fostered by prevailing capitalist policies. Anchored in Marxist-Leninist principles, the party has consistently advocated for the dismantling of capitalist structures, advocating for the establishment of a proletarian-led governance and the eventual realization of a socialist, and ultimately communist, society. Central to its mission has been the unification of the working class and oppressed populations to challenge bourgeois democracy, with a focused agenda on advancing workers' rights, implementing land reforms, and pursuing the nationalization of key sectors of the economy.

Confronted with substantial obstacles, including stringent legal barriers, persecution, and acute repression during conservative and military governments, the PCP has steadfastly pursued its objectives. The party has played a pivotal role in organizing labor unions, coordinating strikes, and propelling various social movements forward, tirelessly working towards social justice, improved working conditions, and opposing imperialism. Over time, particularly in the shadow of the electoral successes and popularity of the PTP among the working class, the PCP has shifted its strategies to better align with Pampa's changing political and economic landscape, actively seeking alliances with other leftist and progressive factions.

Administrative Subdivisions[]

Pampa is divided into departments whose local administrations replicate the division of the executive and legislative powers. Each department elects its own authorities through a universal suffrage system. The departmental executive authority resides in a Superintendent and the legislative authority in a departmental board.

Economy[]

From its establishment until 1891's Pampa's main production was maize, wheat, livestock cattle and leather. With the installation of meat processing plants it began to produce and export frozen and canned meat products of great demand in Europe. The Crisis of 1929 meant the collapse of the Pampa Economic Miracle based on meat and grain. As in the rest of South America there was a shift towards industrialization and a more decisive role of the State in the economy. New cattle breeds were introduced, and barbed wire was used to demarcate properties. The introduction of rice, soybean and tobacco also diversified crops and open a new goods for exportation, along the production of mandioca, wheat and sugarcane. As legacy of state intervention and joint private and private partnerships its most important industries since the 1940 foodstuff, wool, metal-working, petrochemicals, oil refining, automobiles, and the assembly of computer components.

The ports of Montevideo and Porto Alegre became major economic centres of the region and an entrepôt for goods from Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. The railways, a state monopoly in 1903, connected the countryside to Montevideo, Porto Alegre and Rio Grande. Together with the introduction of steamships, this reduced the costs and duration of transportation, facilitating export of goods.

Pampa's coal-mining region is an important source of energy and exports most of its production to Argentina, the neighboring Brazilian state of Santa Catarina is its direct competitor.

In the 1950s tourism became an important industry due to its national parks, beaches, mountain ranges and casinos. The tourism industry is became a stable component of the economy. The Ministry of Tourism as played an important role of carrying out the national policy for the sector and the promotion of the wonders of Pampa to the world.

Society[]

Pampa society is built upon a foundation of democratic and secular values and principles, influenced by the political and social struggles and aspirations of its history. Civic engagement as a strong emphasis on participation in elections, grassroots activism, and community organising. Pampean society of is deeply rooted in the Gaucho heritage with its mate culture, cattle ranching and beef cuisine.

Pampa's language policy is inclusive and promotes the use of both Spanish and Portuguese. Government documents, official communications, and public services are provided in both languages. Schools across the country offer instruction in Spanish or Portuguese. The media landscape in Pampa is characterised by its variety of Spanish and Portuguese language newspapers, television channels, radio stations, and online platforms. Guarani is officially recognized as a co-official language in regions where Guarani-speaking communities are predominant.

Portuñol, the mix of Spanish and Portuguese, naturally arises as a colloquial means of communication among individuals who are fluent in both languages. However, in formal settings and official communications, standard Spanish and Portuguese is used.

The carnival is a cherished tradition featuring colorful parades, music, dance, and elaborate costumes. The streets come alive with the sounds of samba, candombe, and traditional Pampean-Gaucho music.

Football holds a special place in the Pampean society. Local teams are highly competitive in the national and regional leagues, with matches between rival clubs evoking intense rivalries. Pampa's national football team, La Celeste, holds two FIFA World Cup (1930 and 1950). Pampa holds also the honor of hosting the the first Football World Cup in 1930 with the Centenario Stadium in the Uruguayan city of Montevideo hosting the final state. Pampa as hosted 7 times (1917, 1923, 1924, 1942, 1956, 1967, 1995) the Copa América.

Rugby as steadily gained popularity in Pampa, drawing enthusiasts from all walks of life. While soccer remains the most popular sport in the nation, rugby has carved out a dedicated following, particularly in urban areas and among young athletes. Pampa boasts a vibrant club rugby scene, with teams competing at various levels of competition. Club rugby matches attract enthusiastic crowds. Rugby clubs serves, like football, as hubs of community activity. The men's and women's national team of the Pampa Rugby Union are highly competitive in the world championships.

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