Argentina’s Transformation: 1810, 1910, and Today
Political Context in 1910
This period is characterized by the existence of a conservative state and elite, and a system of electoral fraud. This was unsustainable but had served to keep the oligarchy in power.
Social Context in 1910
The city of Buenos Aires had a high rate of urbanization due to the arrival of large contingents of European immigrants. Argentina was considered the breadbasket of the world and it became a focus of attraction for European citizens.
Economy in 1910
Argentina was principally exporting frozen beef. Both European immigration and foreign capital proved to be key elements of the process of transformation of the nation.
Culture in 1910
Women wore long dresses to their feet, made by themselves. They also made the clothes of their husbands and children. The men wore frock coats, narrow pants, and a cane. They also wore top hats.
News: Current Political Context
The politics of today is formed by a federal republican representative system and has been maintained for all constitutional reforms. The provinces are autonomous, which is explicit in Article 12 of the Constitution. Federal government authorities are based in Buenos Aires, now the capital of the Republic.
Social Context Today
The society of Argentina today presents a radical change with respect to 1810 and 1910, which had a graduation of classes so marked. Slavery was abolished.
Economy Today
Today, Argentina is the third-largest economic power in Latin America. Argentina benefits from a great richness and variety of natural resources, a good agricultural system, and an important industrial base. The currency in Argentina is the peso.
Culture Today
Argentine culture is diverse. Argentina is a multicultural country as a result of its geographic range and the presence of many ethnicities. The predominant religion is Catholicism. The most popular sport is soccer.
Economy in 1810
The May Revolution sparked a rash of changes. The Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata was deprived of its main consumer market and the region of precious metal products. The economies inside were isolated and complementary mercantile sectors stopped with the binding role between Buenos Aires and Upper Peru. Industries almost started to depend on the United Kingdom.
Cultural Context in 1810
High society families organized wealthy gatherings at home (meetings where they invited their friends, listened to music, and talked).
Political Context in 1810
The new town hall on May 25th forced the dissolution of the board presided over by Cisneros and the creation of a new governing body, the First Junta. The president of which was Saavedra. Independence was not declared, they swore allegiance to Ferdinand VII but claimed the right to resume sovereignty and build the provincial government.
Social Context in 1810
In colonial times, social classes were sharply divided. The rights of the lower classes, such as black slaves, were not respected. Another social class was the indigenous people, who were engaged in gold and silver extraction. They did not enjoy the rights of slaves, but the natives did not have the same rights as the Spanish. Few Creoles came to occupy positions.
May Revolution: English Invasions
In the 19th century, Spain and England were confronted. British forces attacked the colonies. In 1806, an English fleet landed near Buenos Aires. Liniers then forced the British to surrender. But there was a second invasion. Martín de Álzaga refused to surrender to the invaders.
Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata
Several reasons led the Spanish kings to create the viceroyalty: they needed more control over these territories and needed to extract more wealth from their American colonies. With the creation of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata, some things were changing, and Spanish authorities and European traders arrived. The new capital began to grow.