Argentina’s Modern Era: 1880-1912 Transformation
The Modern Argentina: 1880-1912
The Argentina we know today is the result of a process that began around 1880, a period known as the Generation of 80. This generation led Argentina until 1916. The concept of modern Argentina defines an era of profound changes that accompanied global developments. During this time, we saw the implementation of education laws, waves of immigration, and integration into the world economy.
Generation of 80 in Action
Julio Argentino Roca: The government launched a series of reforms to consolidate the national state:
- Monetary Unification Act (1881): Established a single currency and a unified ticketing system.
- Education Act (1884): Mandated primary education as compulsory and free.
- Civil Marriage Law (1889): Legalized civil marriage.
- Territorial Laws: Incorporated vast regions into what would become provinces.
These laws also set basic guidelines for economic transformation, including the incorporation of labor.
Celman: His government was characterized by a concentration of power, as he held the presidency. This led to significant transformations, with the state being criticized for its poor administration. Consequently, the authority to issue currency was given to private banks, embracing liberal economic practices. The most notable differences between the Roca and Celman governments were the concentration of power and the emphasis on liberal economic policies.
UCR: Since 1890, the Civic Union emerged as an organization that challenged the existing political norms. Although some of its leaders were part of the oligarchy, they rejected election fraud.
Sáenz Peña Law and the Crisis of the Early 20th Century
The first decade of the twentieth century was marked by both crisis and consolidation. The crisis involved questioning the government, while consolidation involved redefining citizenship. A critical period began in 1890, culminating in 1912 when the oligarchy was compelled to accept new rules of governance, recognizing that citizens should not be detached from their political rights.
Synthesis: 1890-1912
The political expression of the crisis was a revolution that brought together opposition forces. The opposition included the Liberal Party, the Catholic sector, members of the old autonomist Buenos Aires, youth, and other groups. These events impacted both the ruling elite and the opposition.
Within the ruling group, some became aware of the changes and began to consider reforming the system. The opposition was mainly represented by the Civic Union, which split in 1891.
UCN: Reached an agreement with the ruling elite, led by Bartolome Mitre.
UCR: Refused to make an agreement, led by Leandro N Alem. The UCR, led by Hipólito Irigoyen, refused to participate in elections due to electoral fraud.
After this crisis, Roca and Pellegrini took charge, with Pellegrini renegotiating the foreign debt. To address the economic crisis, measures were taken, such as the foundation of the largest bank in Argentina and the suspension of public works spending. His term ended in 1892. Roca imposed Luis Sáenz Peña as a candidate, who was elected through electoral fraud (1892-1895). However, he had limited power, and his term was completed by Vice President Uriburu.
Roca began his second term (1898-1904), facing external shocks such as the situation in Brazil. Roca imposed Quintana as a presidential candidate, believing it would guarantee capital income. In February 1905, the UCR attempted another revolution, which failed. Irigoyen was then delivered to justice and declared he would not participate to ensure electoral transparency.
Socialist and anarchist protests continued. In 1905, González proposed international labor law, which was rejected. Quintana left power due to health issues in 1905, and Figueroa Alcorta took charge (1906-1910). In 1906, Pellegrini, Irigoyen, and B. Mitre disappeared from the political scene.