History

Estimates are that the first humans settled in southern Patagonia up to 13,000 years ago. Since then the first written history charted the Spanish influence over the region.

The Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata was formed by the Spanish Crown in 1776 and was an amalgamation of territories which gradually, over time, transformed into several independent states including the United Provinces of Rio de la Plata. The federal state that is today known as Argentina was formed between 1853 and 1861 following the military defeat of the Spanish Empire in 1824 and the declaration of independence in 1816.

The country’s history can be broken down into four separate historical periods: (a) pre-Columbian (up until 16th century); (b) colonial period (1530–1810); (c) post-colonial nation building (1810-1880); (d) modern Argentina.

Right up until the colonial period, Argentina was sparsely populated and there is evidence that a prolonged period of drought dating back to between 4000 and 2000 BC resulted in the depopulation of large areas in the central and piedmont regions.

From the first European voyage in 1502, the first European settlement was established in the area that is known today as Buenos Aires in 1536 by Pedro de Mendoza although this was later abandoned in 1541.

Settlers from Lima, Peru arrived in regions that became part of the Viceroyalty of Peru. Later the Viceroyalty of the Rio de La Plata (consisting of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and much of Bolivia) was established by the Spanish as an attempt to raise the status of this region. As a result Buenos Aires became a flourishing port transforming it into one of the most important commercial centres in the region. Owing to the lack of Spanish support and also lack of cohesion between the various regions under the Viceroyalty of the Rio de La Plata, the latter was dismantled. The British, riding high on the success of their victory over the Spanish in the Battle of Trafalgar, attempted to invade Buenos Aires and Montevideo in 1806 and 1807. They were defeated in both attempts which served as a great boost to the confidence of the cities having achieved both victories without any help from the Spanish.

A number of small revolutions were sparked in Chuquisaca, La Paz, Montevideo and Buenos Aires following the beginning of the Peninsular War in Spain and the capture of the Spanish king, Ferdinand VII which was a cause for great concern throughout the Viceroyalty. The May Revolution of 1810, prompted by the defeat of most of Spain, was, however, successful.

A period of change ensued whereby the viceroyalty became known as the United Provinces of the Rio de la Plata and later, some of the territories within it, divided into different countries.

The arrival of Jose de San Martin in Buenos Aires along with other generals from the Peninsular War gave added weight to the Revolutionary War. San Martin created The Army of the Andes and embarked on a major military campaign that spanned across the Spanish territories of America. Together with the help of other Chileans and Bernardo O’Higgins he liberated Chile and with the help of the Chilean navy went on to do the same to Peru.

In 1825 the Congress of Tucuman – a new assembly – was called and independence from any foreign power (including Spain) was declared. Argentine independence was officially recognised in 1825 by the United Kingdom.

Argentina went through a period of economic prosperity with foreign investment, new railroads and ports and an influx of immigrants from Europe. By 1929 Argentina was a wealthy country on the world stage but with the Great Depression came a period of political instability prompted by a military coup. This marked the beginning of the ‘Infamous Decade’ which was characterised by electoral fraud, government corruption and persecution of political opposition.

This decade was finally brought to an end in 1943 when a secret alliance between the military leaders of the Argentine armed forces demanded the resignation of President Castillo.

The 1950’s and 1960’s were notable decades for the frequent coup d’état, high inflation rates and low economic growth.

By the 1980’s the country had returned to civilian rule however its economy was in ruins and its external debt was huge. By 2001 the economy had completely collapsed and left over half of the population living in poverty. Recovery finally started to happen by 2003. Argentina has been in dispute with Britain over the Falkland Islands which are governed as a British overseas territory, since 1982. This dispute led to war in 1982 when Argentina’s military junta invaded the islands which were then re-conquered by the British

Today the country continues to face economic challenges. It is a country that is rich in resources and is made up of a well-educated workforce. Poverty remains rife and unemployment high but the Argentines remain positive in the wait for an economic upturn.