One hundred years after the death of the Baron of Rio Branco

the contemporaneity of the boundary rectification treaty on the Yaguarón River (1909-1910)

Abstract

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Baron of Rio Branco played a decisive role in defining a State approach to Brazilian diplomacy. Uruguay sought to resolve pending boundary disputes with its giant neighbors. At odds with Argentina over the Zeballos doctrine, Uruguay's bilateral relations with Brazil acquired strategic relevance. Since his remarkable willingness to negotiate with the Uruguayan government the controversies over the condominium of the waters of the Yaguarón River and the Merim Lagoon, the Baron of Rio Branco acquired great prestige in Uruguayan politics. The rectification of the limits with Brazil (1909-1910) marked a special moment in the history of political and diplomatic relations in the region, as it affirmed an integrationist vision and constituted a precedent for the progress of international law and intelligent solidarity.