Argentina

Quick Facts: Who was Argentina?

Subject:

Argentina

Known for:

A vast South American nation, historically shaped by indigenous cultures and European colonization.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Argentina, officially the Argentine Republic, is a country in the far south of South America. It covers an area of 2,780,085 km2 (1,073,397 mi2), making it the second-largest country in South America after Brazil, the fourth-largest country in the Americas, and the eighth-largest country in the world. Argentina shares the bulk of the Southern Cone with Chile to the west, and is also bordered by Bolivia and Paraguay to the north, Brazil to the northeast, Uruguay and the South Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Drake Passage to the south. Argentina is a federal state divided into twenty-three provinces, and one autonomous city, which is the federal capital and largest city of the nation, Buenos Aires. The provinces and the capital have their own constitutions, but exist under a federal system.

Career & Major Achievements

Argentina claims sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, and a part of Antarctica. The earliest recorded human presence in modern-day Argentina dates back to the Paleolithic period. The Inca Empire expanded to the northwest of the country in pre-Columbian times. The modern country has its roots in Spanish colonisation of the region during the 16th century. Argentina rose as the successor state of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata, a Spanish overseas viceroyalty founded in 1776.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The Argentine Declaration of Independence on July 9 of 1816 and the Argentine War of Independence (1810–1825) were followed by an extended civil war that lasted until 1880, culminating in the country's reorganisation as a federation. The then sparsely populated country thereafter enjoyed relative peace and stability, with several subsequent mass waves of millions of European immigrants (mainly Italians and Spaniards) significantly influencing its culture and demography. The National Autonomist Party dominated national politics in the period called the Conservative Republic, from 1880 until the 1916 elections. The Great Depression led to the first coup d'état in 1930 led by José Félix Uriburu, beginning the so-called "Infamous Decade" (1930–1943). After that coup, four more followed in 1943, 1955, 1962, and 1966.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1776: 1776 Milestone — Argentina rose as the successor state of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata, a Spanish overseas viceroyalty founded in 1776.
2. 1816: 1816 Milestone — The Argentine Declaration of Independence on July 9 of 1816 and the Argentine War of Independence (1810–1825) were followed by an extended civil war that lasted until 1880, culminating in the country's reorganisation as a federation.
3. 1880: 1880 Milestone — The National Autonomist Party dominated national politics in the period called the Conservative Republic, from 1880 until the 1916 elections.
4. 1930: 1930 Milestone — The Great Depression led to the first coup d'état in 1930 led by José Félix Uriburu, beginning the so-called "Infamous Decade" (1930–1943).
5. 1943: 1943 Milestone — After that coup, four more followed in 1943, 1955, 1962, and 1966.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Argentina

True or False: “The name 'Argentina' is derived from the Latin word for silver, which was noted on a Venetian map in 1536.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): This derivation stems from the early European awareness of the region's abundant silver deposits near the Río de la Plata.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Amedeo Avogadro — Historical peer (Born in 1776) (1776): Pioneering Italian scientist known for Avogadro's law on gas volumes and molecular theory.
• David Hume — Historical peer (Died in 1776) (1776): Scottish philosopher renowned for empiricism, skepticism, and naturalism.
• Adam Ferguson — Historical peer (Died in 1816) (1816): Scottish philosopher, historian, and 'father of modern sociology'.
• Arthur de Gobineau — Historical peer (Born in 1816) (1816): French diplomat and writer known for developing early theories of racial hierarchy and Nordicism.
• Alexis Soyer — Historical peer (Born in 1810) (1810): Pioneering French chef, writer, and inventor celebrated for his work in Victorian England.
• Alfred de Musset — Historical peer (Born in 1810) (1810): French dramatist, poet, and novelist known for 'Confession of a Child of the Century'
• A. P. Hill — Historical peer (Born in 1825) (1825): Confederate general who distinguished himself in the American Civil War.
• Adelaide Anne Procter — Historical peer (Born in 1825) (1825): English poet and philanthropist known for her work on poverty and faith.
• A. Wyatt Tilby — Historical peer (Born in 1880) (1880): British author, journalist, and traveler known for his writings on history and philosophy.
• Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani — Historical peer (Born in 1880) (1880): Bangladeshi statesman and founder of the Awami League, known for advocating for the poor.

Frequently Asked Questions about Argentina