Argentine War of Independence

Quick Facts: Who was Argentine War of Independence?

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Argentine War of Independence

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A protracted civil war (1810-1825) leading to Argentina's separation from Spanish rule.

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Origins & Early Life

The Argentine War of Independence (Spanish: guerra de la independencia argentina) was a set of military events from 1810 to 1825 which resulted in the consolidation of Argentina as an independent country from Spanish rule. The historiographical term encompasses battles and military feats such as the Crossing of the Andes. Formal independence was declared in 1816 by the Congress of Tucumán. The territory of modern Argentina was part of the Spanish Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata, with its capital city in Buenos Aires, seat of government of the Spanish viceroy. Modern Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia were also part of the viceroyalty, and began their push for autonomy during the conflict, becoming independent states afterwards.

Career & Major Achievements

The vast area of the territory and slow communications led most populated areas to remain isolated from each other. The wealthiest regions of the viceroyalty were in Upper Peru (modern-day Bolivia). Salta and Córdoba had closer ties with Upper Peru than with Buenos Aires. Similarly, Mendoza in the west had closer ties with the Captaincy General of Chile, although the Andes mountain range was a natural barrier. Buenos Aires and Montevideo, who had a local rivalry, located in the La Plata Basin, had naval communications allowing them to be more in contact with European ideas and economic advances than the inland populations living in provinces such as Tierra del Fuego and Chaco.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Paraguay was isolated from all other regions. In the political structure most authoritative positions were filled by people designated by the Spanish monarchy, most of them Spanish people from Europe, also known as peninsulares, without a strong commitment for South American problems or interests. This created a growing rivalry between the Criollos, white people born in Latin America, and the peninsulares, Spanish people who arrived from Europe (the term "Criollo" is usually translated to English as "Creole", despite being unrelated to most other Creole peoples). Although they were all considered Spanish, and there were no legal distinctions between Criollos and Peninsulares, most Criollos thought that Peninsulares had undue influence in political matters. The ideas of the American and French Revolutions, and the Age of Enlightenment, promoted desires of social change among the criollos.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1810: 1810 Milestone — The Argentine War of Independence (Spanish: guerra de la independencia argentina) was a set of military events from 1810 to 1825 which resulted in the consolidation of Argentina as an independent country from Spanish rule.
2. 1816: 1816 Milestone — Formal independence was declared in 1816 by the Congress of Tucumán.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Argentine War of Independence

True or False: “The initial goal of the May Revolution in Buenos Aires was outright, immediate secession from all Spanish authority.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Initially, the patriots supported the legitimacy of local Juntas while still acknowledging the theoretical sovereignty of Ferdinand VII.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• 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.
• 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.

Frequently Asked Questions about Argentine War of Independence