Rosas & Rivadavia: Shaping 19th Century Argentina
Juan Manuel de Rosas: Buenos Aires Governor
Juan Manuel de Rosas was an Argentine politician who served as Governor of Buenos Aires during the periods 1829-1832 and 1835-1852. He effectively held power for over 20 years, wielding extraordinary powers granted by the provincial legislature, aiming to stabilize the country amidst political anarchy.
Rosas’ Early Life and Political Rise
Born in Buenos Aires into one of the city’s most prominent families, his birth name was Juan Manuel Ortiz de Rozas. He decided to simplify and “creolize” it to Juan Manuel de Rosas even before his first political appearance. On August 12, 1806, a young Juan Manuel was among “the volunteers who formed the army to reconquer Buenos Aires” during the British invasions. Later, during the government of Martín Rodríguez, he served as a field commander.
First Term as Governor (1829-1832)
During Rosas’ first term, the country lacked national organization. Provinces were divided:
Political Climate: Federal Pact vs. Unitarian League
- Unitarian League: Córdoba, Santiago del Estero, Catamarca, La Rioja, San Juan, San Luis, Tucumán, Salta, and Mendoza.
- Federal Pact: Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, Entre Ríos, and Corrientes.
On December 6, 1829, the Buenos Aires legislature elected Rosas governor and granted him extraordinary powers.
Consolidating Power
His government was centralized and respectful of provincial leaders (caudillos), provided they submitted to his authority. One of his initial acts was to suppress press freedom. In 1832, Rosas prevented the Representative Commission from convening a general conference intended to organize the republic.
Interregnum and Return to Power (1832-1835)
Rosas refused re-election in 1832 because the legislature did not renew his extraordinary powers. He was subsequently offered the governorship several times but refused each time for the same reason. Though out of office, he cleverly continued to exert political influence from the outside, consolidating support. This period was crucial for his eventual return with the sum of public power, leading to his second governorship (1835-1852).
Bernardino Rivadavia: Unitarian Leader
Bernardino Rivadavia (Buenos Aires, 1780 – Cádiz, 1845) was a prominent Argentine politician. He began his public career as a lieutenant in the Gallegos militia, fighting against the British invasions in 1806 and 1807.
Rivadavia’s Early Political Career
In 1811, he was appointed Secretary of War by the First Triumvirate, and later served as Minister of Government and Finance.
The Unitary Constitution of 1826
The Constitution adopted in 1826 proclaimed a representative system and a unitary republican regime. The national government was organized based on the separation of powers. Provincial governments were led by governors appointed by the president with Senate consent. These governors were chosen from three candidates proposed by provincial Boards of Directors, which were elected by the people of each province.
Exile, Death, and Posthumous Honors
In 1829, Rivadavia left for Spain. He attempted to return to Argentina in 1834, but the Governor of Buenos Aires, Juan José Viamonte, denied him permission to land. Consequently, he first settled in Mercedes (Soriano, Uruguay) and later in Colonia (Uruguay). Although his will requested that his remains “not be buried in Buenos Aires, and least of all in Montevideo,” his remains were repatriated in 1857. The government paid him Captain General honors before an estimated crowd of 60,000 people. In that year, it was decided to name the city’s longest avenue after him.