Oribe's soldiers wore white armbands to distinguish them from Rivera's supporters. Rivera's side initially wore blue, then switched to red after the blue faded. These colours became the Blanco and Colorado names. The Colorados are associated with Montevideo's business interests and the Blancos with rural agriculture and protectionism. Britain's preference for the trading faction follows from access to Montevideo and the River Plate's importance for moving goods into and out of South America.
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White and red armbands, party interests and Montevideo trade
Party colours grew from military identification, while contrasting commercial and rural interests shaped the struggle over Montevideo's trade.