The leftist group began under an anarcho-syndicalist philosophy and was overshadowed by Tupamaros in Uruguay.

The Party grew in strength among exiles in Argentina, both in followers and money, with $10 million from the successful ransom for a kidnapped businessman.

Their planned guerrilla operation to reclaim their place in Uruguay went awry with the surprise 1976 Argentine coup d'état.

Several days after the coup, three PVP members were arrested while attempting to cross back into Uruguay.

Dozens of other group members were arrested in Argentina, including its leaders, in concert with Uruguayan security forces.