The Argentine Confederation: Formation, Conflicts, and Secession of Buenos Aires
The Argentine Confederation
Battle of Caseros (February 3, 1852)
The Confederate forces, led by Justo José de Urquiza, defeated the forces of Juan Manuel de Rosas, governor of Buenos Aires. Rosas fled to exile in England. Urquiza appointed Vicente López y Planes as interim governor of Buenos Aires. This victory paved the way for the organization of Argentina under a federal system with a liberal government structure.
San Nicolás Agreement (May 31, 1852)
This agreement, signed by thirteen provinces (excluding Buenos Aires), established the basis for the organization of the Argentine Confederation. Its key provisions included:
- Naming Justo José de Urquiza as Provisional Director of the Confederation.
- Establishing the validity of the 1831 Constitution.
- Calling for a General Constituent Congress in Santa Fe.
- Granting equal representation to all provinces in the Congress (two deputies each).
Palermo Protocol (April 6, 1852)
Prior to the San Nicolás Agreement, the Palermo Protocol was signed, designating Urquiza to head the Foreign Affairs of the Republic until the National Congress decided on a permanent leader.
Rejection by Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires rejected the San Nicolás Agreement primarily due to the equal representation of provinces in Congress and its location in Santa Fe, fearing loss of influence. Buenos Aires also opposed contributing a percentage of its foreign trade revenue to the Confederation government.
Consequences of the Agreement
- Constitution of 1853: The Constitution was enacted on May 1, 1853, and Urquiza was elected as the first president in 1854 for a six-year term.
- Secession of Buenos Aires: Buenos Aires seceded from the Confederation until 1859, following its military defeat at the Battle of Cepeda against Urquiza’s forces.
Secession of Buenos Aires
Economy
Buenos Aires enjoyed a strong economy fueled by customs revenues and thriving agricultural activities. This allowed for a stable financial position and a robust military budget to defend its borders.
Politics
Buenos Aires adopted its own constitution in 1854 and experienced political stability. It also developed a commercial code, a criminal code, and rural development initiatives. The autonomist party, led by Valentín Alsina, advocated for Buenos Aires’ independence from the Confederation. The nationalist party, led by Bartolomé Mitre, favored unification but with Buenos Aires leading the national organization.
Revolution of September 11, 1852
This revolution in Buenos Aires ended what was perceived as Urquiza’s dictatorship. Alsina was elected governor, pursuing policies that prioritized the province’s interests. On November 28, federalist military leader Hilario Lagos, supported by a convention of Urquiza’s supporters, demanded the incorporation of Buenos Aires into the Confederation.
The Argentine Confederation
Economy
The Confederation faced economic difficulties, lacking resources and foreign trade revenue. Low tax collection exacerbated the situation. Urquiza attempted to address this by enacting the Law of Differential Rights, which imposed a surcharge on goods entering Buenos Aires and encouraged imports through the port of Rosario. However, these efforts were largely unsuccessful.
Politics
The Constituent Congress of Santa Fe convened on May 1, 1853, and enacted the National Constitution. Urquiza was elected president. The Constitution established a representative, republican, and federal government with a strong executive branch. All provinces except Buenos Aires swore allegiance to the Constitution. The Confederate Army’s strength varied across provinces.