Argentina (The Sun of the Andes)

República Argentina Argentina Timeline: The Sun of the Andes OTL equivalent: Argentina
National flag National coat of arms
Motto:  En unión y libertad
Anthem:  Argentine National Anthem
Location of Argentina
Capital (and largest city)		Buenos Aires
Other cities		Cordoba, Mendoza, Rosario and La Plata
Official languages		Spanish
Regional languages		Mapudungun, Guarani, Quechua, Tehuelche and Mataco–Guaicuru
Other languages		Lunfardo, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic, German and Yiddish
Ethnic groups		White (Hispanic), Native American and African American (non-Hispanic)
Religion		Secular (official), Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Eastern Orthodox, Islam (Sunni), other Protestants, Judaism, Non-Religious and Atheism
Demonym		Argentinian
Government		Federal constitutional republic
-	President	Manuel Sanguinetti
Legislature		National Congress
-	Upper house	Senate
-	Lower house	Chamber of Deputies
Key Events
-	Independence as the United Provinces of Río de la Plata	1814
Area
-		1,921,043 km2  741,719 sq mi
Population
-	estimate	42700000
Currency		Argentinian peso ($)
Time zone		UTC -4
Date formats		dd-mm-yyyy
Drives on the		right

Argentina, officially the Argentine Republic (República Argentina) is a country located in South America. It borders Brazil, Paraguay, Andes-Tawantinsuyu to the north, Chile to the west, Wallmapu-Araucania to the south, and Pampa to the east.

Formed as the United Provinces of Río de la Plata (1812-1820), it succeeded by Argentine Confederation established de facto in 1820 and constitutionally in 1853. The State of Buenos Aires seceded from the Confederation in 1852. In 1861 both the Argentine Confederation and the State of Buenos Aires united in the Argentine Republic.

History

Formed as the United Provinces of Río de la Plata (1812-1820), it succeeded by Argentine Confederation (1820-1861) established de facto in 1820 and constitutionally in 1853. In practice from 1820 to 1852 Argentina was led by Juan Manuel de Rosas, governor of the Province of Buenos Aires. Rosas overthrown after the Unitarian victory in the Civil War of 1852.

Independence

In the years leading up to the May Revolution of 1812, the English Invasions of 1806 and 1807 served as significant precursors to the burgeoning desire for independence in the Spanish colonies of South America. British forces, eyeing the strategic and economic value of the Spanish territories, launched two major assaults on Buenos Aires. The local population, under the leadership of Viceroy Santiago de Liniers, successfully repelled these invasions without substantial direct support from Spain. This pivotal defense not only boosted the self-confidence and nationalistic fervor among the residents but also exposed the weakening grip of Spanish colonial rule and annoyance with its economic policies towards its subjects and territories in South America.

The aftermath of these invasions stirred a growing sense of disillusionment with the Spanish Crown, particularly concerning its ability to protect its dominions. This sentiment laid the groundwork for the widespread support of the May Revolution in 1812, which effectively removed Viceroy Cisneros from power and led to the formation of the Governing Junta. This junta swiftly declared the formation of the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata, marking a decisive step toward independence. Its first measures was to declare free commerce, political autonomy while the Peninsula War was in effect and built a national army. This move was fueled by the momentum generated during the defense against the British, catalyzing a series of military and political efforts aimed at severing colonial ties with Spain.

The ensuing War of Independence, which lasted for a decade, saw patriot forces, led by figures such as Manuel Belgrano, Juan José Castelli, and José de San Martín, engaging in various military campaigns across Argentina, Chile and Andes-Tawantinsuyu. The Congress of Tucumán, recognizing the irreversible shift and demands towards independence, declared the sovereignty of the Argentine territories from Spain and any foreign power in 1814, and began the process of drafting a constitution for the newly established nation.

During this period, major ideological divisions emerged, particularly between the Unitarians, who favored a centralized government led by Buenos Aires, and the Federalists, who advocated for a federation of autonomous provinces. These divisions were further exacerbated following the promulgation of the centralist constitution in 1819, which was met with immediate rejection by the provinces, sparking civil conflict against the Supreme Directorship.

Meanwhile, support for figures like Bernardo O'Higgins and involvement in broader South American liberation movements under leaders like Simón Bolívar highlighted the interconnected nature of the independence movements across the continent and particularly at the heart of Loyalist control and administration: Andes-Tawantinsuyu. The definitive defeat of Spanish forces in the Andes-Tawantinsuyu in 1821 not only affirmed the independence of Spanish South American but also raised pressing questions regarding its future political organization, a debate that would dominate the early decades of Argentina's history as a nation and would start a long civil war between federalists and unitarians.

The Unitarian-Federalist Civil Wars and the National Organization (1821-1862)

Flag of the Unitarian Party

Flag of the Federalist Party

Following the independence from Spanish rule in 1816, the young Argentine nation quickly found itself divided in two rival factions. The centralist Unitarian faction sought a strong centralized government based in Buenos Aires, while the Federalists advocated for regional autonomy. Both factions clashed in a series of devastating civil wars from 1821 to 1861, which fundamentally shaped the nation's character.

Argentine Confederation 1820-1861

The First Unitarian-Federalist War (1819-1820) was triggered by the Unitarian opposition led by Bernardino Rivadavia to the Federalist Supreme Director Manuel Dorrego, being deposed in 1819 and replaced with the victorious Unitarians naming uan Lavalle as Supreme Director. The Civil War ended finally in 1820, with a decisive federalist victory in the Battle of Cepeda. The winner, the federalists, would end the Supreme Directorship and institute the Argentine Confederation, a loose federation of the provinces. Each province would assert its autonomy and sovereignty under its elected governors by means of the arms if necessary.

From 1820 conflicts were characterized by a shifting balance of power among the provinces and Buenos Aires with no recognizable central government besides the weak Argentine Confederation. In the years, provincial strongmen known as caudillos rose to prominence, each seeking to extend their influence. These local warlords, like Juan Manuel de Rosas in Buenos Aires, Estanislao López in Santa Fe and Facundo Quiroga in La Rioja, wielded significant power over their respective territories. The caudillos maintained loose alliances and brokered peace through marriages, trade, and mutual support. However, these alliances were fragile, leading to frequent clashes over territory and power.

The Cisplatine War (1823-1824) broke out between the Empire of Brazil and the Argentine Confederation from both nations’ claims over the Cisplatina Province, former Uruguay. After gaining independence from Spain, the Argentine Confederation sought to assert control over the Uruguay / Cisplatine Province, which had been part of its territory before being annexed by Brazil in 1821 as a result of the Portuguese invasion. This annexation was never accepted by the people of Cisplatina or the government of the Argentine Confederation, leading to the eventual conflict. The war was characterized by naval and land battles. Argentina, lacking a strong navy, struggled against the more formidable Brazilian fleet, which had a significant advantage in controlling the waterways.The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Montevideo in 1824, which was mediated by the British. The treaty granted independence to Cisplatina, leading to the creation of Uruguay as a buffer state between Brazil and Argentina.

The Second Unitarian-Federalist War (1826-1831): The Unitarian-led government in Buenos Aires, headed by Bernardino Rivadavia, sought to impose a centralized constitution in 1826. This was fiercely opposed by the Federalists, who saw this as a threat to their autonomy. The war that ensued was marked by fluid alliances and devastating battles. By 1831, the Federalists emerged victorious under the leadership of Rosas, who was appointed as the Governor of Buenos Aires and assumed near-dictatorial powers.

The Oriental War (1829-1830) was ignited by the rebellion and subsequent declaration of independence of Rio Grande do Sul as the Riograndense Republic. This Brazilian province sought to separate from Brazil due to longstanding grievances related to central government policies that were deemed neglectful of regional interests. The main campaigns were fought on land, where Uruguay and Argentina gained a significant advantage. The War ended with the Peace of Laguna (1830), where Brasil recognized the independence of Riograndense (Rio Grande do Sul).

The Rosas Era (1831-1852): the Governor of Buenos Aires, Juan Manuel de Rosas was entrusted with the foreign affairs of the Confederation from 1831 to 1852 becoming the de facto strong man of Argentina. Rosas' rule was marked by authoritarianism and a blend of traditionalism and nationalism. His regime crushed dissent and centralized power in Buenos Aires, while outwardly promoting Federalism. Rosas maintained power through fear and patronage, suppressing Unitarian uprisings and consolidating his control over the provinces. However, during 1851 he faced a crisis with the other provinces. His downfall came in 1852 when Manuel Dorrego and Justo José de Urquiza, former allies, defeated him at the Battle of Caseros, leading to Rosas' exile in England.

State of Buenos Aires 1852-1861

Buenos Aires and the Argentine Confederation (1852-1857). The federalists called for the election of a national constituent assembly, the Congress of Santa Fe that redacted and approved in 1853 a new and more effective federal constitution of the Argentine Confederation. Buenos Aires denied any cooperation or recognition of the Constitution of 1853 and the provinces and the Argentine Confederation could not agree on any action to take due internal disputed among them lobbied by Buenos Aires. In response Buenos Aires, under the control of the unitarian Liberal Party, declared its independence from the Argentine Confederation.

The Third Unitarian-Federalist War (1857-1861): After Rosas’ fall, the nation once again fractured. The liberal Unitarians established a government in Buenos Aires, while the Federalists maintained control over the interior provinces. The resultant war culminated in the decisive Battle of Pavón in 1861, which saw Buenos Aires emerge victorious under Bartolomé Mitre. The victory of Mitre’s and the army of Buenos Aires marked the definitive unión of the Argentine Confederation and State of Buenos Aires in the Argentine Republic ending the Civil Wars between unitarians and federalists that had plagued Argentina for decades.

The National Organization (1861-1862): With the nation finally unified, Argentina entered a period of relative stability known as the National Organization. The new constitution, drafted in 1853 and amended in 1861, established a federal system that balanced the power between Buenos Aires and the provinces . However, the elites of Buenos Aires had de facto hegemony over national and foreign affairs. The Argentine Republic was further consolidated with the election of Mitre as its first president.

National Government

The Argentine Constitution mandates a separation of powers into executive, legislative, and judicial branches at the national and provincial level. The political framework is a federal representative democratic republic, in which the President is both head of state and government, complemented by a multi-party system.

The executive branch resides in the President and the Cabinet. The President and Vice President are directly elected for six-year terms and are limited to two terms. Cabinet ministers are appointed by the President and are not subject to legislative ratification. From 1852 to 1936 the President and Vice President were elected by means of an electoral college.

The legislative branch rests in the bicameral National Congress composed of an upper house, the Senate, and a lower house, the Chamber of Deputies. Senators and deputies are elected for terms of six-years with the renewal of half of both houses each three years.

The Judiciary is formed by the Supreme Court, and lower courts that Congress establishes in the territory of the Nation. The Supreme Justices and all judges hold their offices as long as they are not deposed for misbehavior and enjoy intangibility of remuneration. Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President with approval of the Senate, who may be deposed by Congress.

As a federal republic, each province has the three constitutional branches. The Executive, Legislative and Judiciary. The Executive branch is led by a governor. The Legislative Branch may be organized as a unicameral or a bicameral system (that is, either one or two chambers or houses).

Though declared the capital in 1853, Buenos Aires did not become the official Capital until 1880.

Presidents and Heads of State and Government of Argentina

United Provinces of Río de la Plata (1812-1820)

• Governing Junta (1812-1812)
• Triumvirate (1812-1812)
• Supreme Director (1814-1820)
  • Gervasio Antonio de Posadas 1814-1815
  • Carlos María de Alvear 1815-1815
  • José de San Martín 1815-1815
  • José Rondeau 1815-1815
  • Bernardino Rivadavia (1815-1817 Unitarian)
  • Manuel Dorrego (1817-1819 Federalist) Deposed by coup of 1819
  • Juan Lavalle (Unitarian 1819-1820)
  • (1820 dissolved in the Argentine Confederation)

Argentine Confederation (de facto 1820, de jure 1853-1861)

• Governor of Buenos Aires managing international relations (1820-1826)
  • Matías de Irigoyen (1820-1820) interim
  • Manuel de Sarratea (1820-1820) resigned
  • Juan José Balcarce (1820-1820, Federalist)
  • Manuel de Sarratea (1820-1820) resigned
  • Ildefonso Ramos Mexía (1820-1820)
  • Manuel Dorrego (1820-1820, Federalist) interim and overthrown
  • Martín Rodríguez (1820-1824, Unitarian)
  • Juan Gregorio de Las Heras (1824-1826)

• President of Argentine Confederation (1826-1827)
  • Bernardino Rivadavia (1826-1827, Unitarian) resigned
  • Vicente López y Planes (1827-1827, Unitarian) interim and overthrown
  • Manuel Dorrego (1827-1827, Federalist)
  • (office vacant until 1852)

• Governor of Buenos Aires managing international relations (1827-1852)
  • Manuel Dorrego (1827-1828, Federalist) deposed
  • Juan Lavalle (1828-1828, Unitarian) deposed
  • Manuel Dorrego (1828-1831, Federalist)
  • Juan José Viamonte (1831-1831, Federalist) interim
  • Juan Manuel de Rosas (1831-1833, Federalist)
  • Juan José Viamonte (1833-1834, Federalist) deposed
  • Juan Manuel de Rosas (1835-1852, Federalist) resigned

• President of the Argentine Confederation (1852-1861)
  • Manuel Dorrego (1852-1852, Federalist) provisional president
  • Justo José de Urquiza (1852-1860, Federalist)
  • Santiago Derqui (1860-1861, Federalist) resigned
  • Juan Esteban Pedernera (1861-1861, Unitarian) Acting president
  • Bartolome Mitre (1861-1861, Liberal Party, PL) Governor of the State of Buenos Aires and Acting president
  • (1861 union in Argentina)

Governor of the State of Buenos Aires (1852-1861)

• Manuel Guillermo Pinto (1852-1852 Liberal Party, PL) interim
• Valentín Alsina (1852-1856, PL)
• Pastor Obligado (1856-1856, PL) resigned
• Valentín Alsina (1856-1860, PL)
• Bartolomé Mitre (1861-1861, PL) Also President of Argentina In 1861
• (1861 union in Argentina)

President of Argentina (1861 to date)

• Bartolomé Mitre (1861-1868, Liberal Party, PL, later Partido Nacionalista PNAc) acting president 1861-1862
• Domingo Faustino Sarmiento (1868-1874, independant)
• Nicolás Avellaneda (1874-1880, National Party, PN)
• Adolfo Alsina (1880-1886, PN)
• Antonio Rivera (1886-1892, PN)

The Provinces of Argentina

Argentina is a federation of 16 provinces and Buenos Aires City (Ciudad de Buenos Aires) the capital of the republic, under direct control of the federal governments. The provinces hold all the power that they chose not to delegate to the federal government.

As a federal republic, each province has the three constitutional branches. The Executive, Legislative and Judiciary. The Executive branch is led by a governor. The Legislative Branch may be organized as a unicameral or a bicameral system (that is, either one or two chambers or houses). For provincial legislative positions elections are every two years, and for the executive power and governors every 4.

Each province, except for Buenos Aires Province, are administratively divided in departments (departamentos). They are in turn divided into municipalities (cities, towns and villages). Each province has its own naming conventions and government systems for different kinds of municipalities. The Province of Buenos Aires has a different system. Its territory is divided into 134 districts called partidos, each of which usually contains several cities and towns.

Municipalities are ruled by mayors, usually called Intendant (intendente) in the case of cities and towns (the larger categories). A city has a legislative body called the Deliberative Council (Concejo Deliberante). The smaller towns have simpler systems, often ruled by commissions presided by a communal president (presidente communal) or a similarly named authority.

Ciudad de Buenos Aires

Provinces

1. Buenos Aires (La Plata)
2. Catamarca (Catamarca)
3. Córdoba (Córdoba)
4. Corrientes (Corrientes)
5. Entre Ríos (Paraná)
6. Jujuy (Jujuy)
7. La Pampa (Santa Rosa)
8. La Rioja (La Rioja)
9. Mendoza (Mendoza)
10. Río Negro (Viedma)
11. Salta (Salta)
12. San Juan (San Juan)
13. San Luis (San Luis)
14. Santa Fe (Santa Fe)
15. Santiago del Estero (Santiago del Estero)
16. Tucumán (Tucumán)

Economy

Before the 1880s, Argentina was a relatively isolated backwater, dependent on the salted meat, wool, leather, and hide industries for both the more significant part of its foreign exchange and the generation of domestic income and profits. The Argentine economy began to experience swift growth after 1880 through the export of livestock and grain raw materials, and British and French investment, marking the beginning of a fifty-year era of significant economic expansion and mass European immigration.

The Great Depression caused Argentine GDP to fall by a fourth between 1929 and 1932. Having recovered its lost ground by the late 1930s partly through import substitution, the economy continued to grow modestly during World War II.