Independence and Unification
In the early 1800's a series of conditions and events sparked rebellion against Spain. These included increased prosperity, Spanish mis-rule, the failure of the Spanish to defend Buenos Aires against British attacks (1806–07), and Napoleon's invasion of Spain. Buenos Aires revolted in 1810, but the independence of the United Provinces of Rio de la Plata was not formally declared until July 9, 1816. By this time the northern and eastern regions had declared their independence as separate nations, Paraguay in 1811 and Uruguay in 1815. General José de San Martín was a principal military leader of the rebellion. He later led Argentine troops to Chile and Peru, 1817–22, to fight for the independence of those countries.
Argentina in 1816. In 1816, the provinces that now form much of Argentina declared independence from Spain. The new country was called the United Provinces of La Plata. Decades of anarchy and civil war followed independence. The so-called Unitarians (mainly those in Buenos Aires) wanted a strong central government. The Federalists (the caudillos, or chieftains, of the other provinces) fought for local autonomy. In 1829 Juan Manuel de Rosas came to power. Although a Federalist, he ruled the confederation as a dictator. In 1852 he was overthrown. A constitution establishing a federal republic was adopted in 1853, and General Justo José de Urquiza was elected the first president. By 1862 all provinces were united under the constitution. However, the struggle for political stability continued.
Argentina took its present name in 1860. It gained territory in the north in 1874 after a war with Paraguay. Patagonia became part of Argentina in 1881. 