Urquiza’s Era: Confederation, Buenos Aires, and National Unity
Urquiza’s Rise and the Division of Argentina
After the defeat of Rosas, Urquiza rose to power and initiated the Agreement of San Nicolás to convene a congress for sanctioning the constitution. This agreement granted Urquiza full powers and invited the provinces to send delegates to a constitutional convention. All provinces except Buenos Aires sent deputies, as Buenos Aires sought greater representation due to its larger population, a request that was denied. Consequently, Buenos Aires was not represented at the founding congress, reigniting conflict. Buenos Aires resisted nationalizing its customs and port, leading to a revolution and its establishment as an independent state, rejecting Urquiza’s authority and remaining outside the sanctioned constitution. From 1852 to 1862, the territory was divided into two entities: the Confederation and Buenos Aires.
Sanction and Division
Despite Buenos Aires’ initial refusal to participate in the Constituent Congress, the constitution was sanctioned in 1855, establishing a representative, republican, and federal form of government. Due to the constitution’s provision for nationalizing Buenos Aires’ customs and port, Buenos Aires seceded, becoming an autonomous city.
Politics, Society, and Economy Under Urquiza
Urquiza’s government focused on establishing power over Buenos Aires, or within the Confederation, reflecting the struggle for dominance between provincial and local interests. Key political events included the Battle of Cepeda and constitutional reform.
Social Developments
Urquiza prioritized immigration to increase the population and provide labor for agricultural development. He also introduced advancements like telegraphy and invested in public works, particularly in Rosario.
Economic Challenges
Despite modernization efforts, Urquiza faced economic challenges because Buenos Aires retained control of the port and customs. Foreign vessels preferred trading with Buenos Aires due to the port’s convenience and the volume of products handled. In response, Urquiza implemented differential duties, imposing higher taxes on goods from Buenos Aires and direct imports. Treaties aimed to resolve these conflicts.
Battle of Cepeda (1859)
In 1859, tensions between Buenos Aires and the Confederation escalated, culminating in the Battle of Cepeda. The armies of Buenos Aires, led by Mitre, and the Confederation, led by Urquiza, clashed. Urquiza’s forces won, leading to the Peace Treaty of San José, which stipulated:
- Buenos Aires would rejoin the federation.
- Buenos Aires would review the constitution and propose reforms with other provinces.
- The customs and port would be nationalized, but Buenos Aires would retain customs revenues for five years to cover foreign debt.
Constitutional Reform of 1860
The provinces were again summoned to send deputies to a congress to reform the 1853 constitution, with representation proportional to population. Following the reforms, Buenos Aires rejoined the nation, and Santiago Derqui became president, while Urquiza returned as governor of Entre Ríos.
Battle of Pavón (1861)
Despite the agreement, Buenos Aires attempted to assert its dominance, citing the national government’s weakness in addressing internal conflicts. Mitre organized an army to confront the national government at Pavón, where Urquiza commanded the Confederation forces. Despite a Confederation victory, Urquiza unexpectedly ordered a retreat, urging Derqui to resign and inviting Mitre to take command. In 1862, Mitre was elected president, marking a turning point in Argentina’s unification.