Argentina’s Political & Social Transformations: From 1880 to Perón
State and Power
Definitions of State
Guillermo O’Donnell (b. 1933): State as domination in a territorially defined society, achieved through physical force or ideological control.
Oscar Oszlak: State as a structured system of social domination manifested through institutions, emphasizing sovereignty recognition, legitimacy, administrative capacity, and national identity.
Elements of State
- Sovereignty: Exclusive control over territory and population.
- Territory: Physical space including land, air, sea, and resources.
- Population: Residents within the defined area.
- Administrative Apparatus: Bureaucratic system for control and management.
- Government: Decision-making body.
Theoretical Perspectives on the State
Weber
Analyzes capitalism’s dominance, emphasizing legitimate power and voluntary obedience.
Marx (19th Century)
- State serves the bourgeoisie to exploit the working class.
- Bourgeois politics masks real conditions; social change requires proletarian organization.
- Distinguishes between the economic base (civil society) and superstructure (political society).
Bernstein (Late 19th Century)
Suggests state neutrality and suffrage in a new phase of capitalist development.
Lenin
Highlights political repression and the neutral technical element of the state.
Gramsci (Early 20th Century)
Introduces the concept of the extended state, encompassing the relationship between civil society and the state, forming political hegemony.
Fascist State
Developed in Italy under Mussolini, opposing liberal democracy, embracing authoritarian capitalism and expansionist policies, rooted in tradition.
Differs from Nazism, which focused on racial superiority.
Maurras
Advocates a national order based on monarchical and Catholic values, with minimal state intervention.
Argentina’s Transformation
Immigration and Social Change (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)
Massive internal and external immigration reshaped Argentina’s economy and society.
- Internal: Urban migration for factory jobs.
- External: Influx of foreigners seeking opportunities, leading to social stratification and the rise of an alluvial society.
Education played a key role in social mobility.
Political and Institutional Developments
Civil registration and marriage laws increased state presence.
Secular, free, and compulsory primary education promoted literacy and national integration.
World War I and Social Tensions
Disrupted trade and finance, leading to social unrest and the rise of labor movements like the Argentine Agrarian Federation.
Rise of Political Parties
- Socialist Party: Aimed at workers but struggled to connect with them.
- UCR (Radical Civic Union): Advocated for free elections and constitutional compliance, gaining support from diverse social sectors.
- Conservative Party: Resisted new ideas and employed repressive tactics.
Electoral Reform of 1912
Introduced secret and compulsory voting, leading to increased political participation and the UCR’s growth.
Social and Political Changes (1910s-1920s)
Global push for democracy influenced Argentina’s democratization process, with the middle class demanding political participation.
The Tragic Week highlighted social tensions and the limits of anarchism.
Increased social activity, including education and women’s participation in the workforce.
University Reform
Demands for greater access to elitist universities.
Yrigoyen and Alvear Presidencies
Yrigoyen faced conflicts with Congress and intervened in provinces.
Alvear limited government expansion and accepted parliamentary control, creating YPF (Fiscal Oilfields).
Armed Forces and Politics
The military’s growing political influence and dissatisfaction with Yrigoyen’s policies.
The Great Depression and the Fall of Radicalism
Economic crisis, falling exports, and social unrest led to Yrigoyen’s downfall in 1930.
The Infamous Decade (1930s)
Rise of unionism and the CGT (General Confederation of Labor).
State negotiation with various social actors.
World War II and its Aftermath
Shifting relations with Great Britain and the USA.
Growing military presence and influence.
1943 military coup.
The Rise of Perón
Authoritarian policies, social reforms, and mass politics.
Cultural conflict between popular and elite cultures.
Perón’s Second Term and Decline
Economic challenges, social unrest, and conflict with the Church.
Perón’s declining popularity and eventual overthrow in 1955.