This East Bank of the Uruguay had long been disputed territory between Spain and Portugal; and now its definite acquisition by the latter seemed an easy undertaking.

Instead, however, the task turned out to be a truly formidable one.

Montevideo, feebly defended by the forces of the Government at Buenos Aires, soon capitulated, but four years elapsed before the rest of the country could be subdued.

Artigas fled to Paraguay, where he fell into the clutches of Francia, never to escape.
In 1821 the Banda Oriental was annexed to Brazil as the Cisplatine Province.
Over Paraguay that grim and somber potentate, known as "The Supreme One"-- El Supremo--presided with iron hand.

In 1817 Francia set up a despotism unique in the annals of South America.