Urban Shadows. Destruction and death in Montevideo during the Second Siege, 1812—1814

Abstract

The siege of Montevideo by patriot forces between 1812 and 1813 is significant not only for its consequences —most notably the definitive end of Spanish rule in the Río de la Plata— but also for the unique nature of the siege itself, which brought about extensive social and material destruction. Over time, the true impact of this episode has become less visible, often overshadowed by the events that followed the patriot victory. On the other hand, historiographical perspectives on the truly destructive dimension in urban and material terms have also been fragmentary. However, certain sources—particularly personal diaries—offer valuable insight into the siege’s specific effects on the city’s daily life, especially the architectural devastation it caused. Despite the hardships, life in Montevideo persisted under the harsh conditions of war, with the population displaying remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. The present study does not aim to establish a dialogue with other historiographical perspectives on this particular military and political event, but rather to develop an analysis that is fundamentally urban, socio-territorial, and architectural.