Acuña, Moira Magalí Estudios Interculturales en Lengua Inglesa I Brun, Gabriela

Estabio, Camila
Martinez, Wendy

Argentina between 1900-1910

To understand Argentina’s political and economic events between the years 1900
and 1910, we may first need to have a general view of what was happening in the
previous years.

In 1890, during Miguel Juárez Celman’s presidency, a deep depression occurred in Commented [G1]: ww

our country resulting in a financial and economic bust that caused the falling of the Commented [G2]: ww

prices of exported products, the indebtedness of external loans and the loss of the
monetary value. Moreover, the overall economic growth and the consumption
capacity were affected as well. The import of foreign capital ceased completely,
initiating this way the most critical financial crisis of this year.

As a result of this, Buenos Aires sold the railways for 40 million pesos gold, staying Commented [G3]: ww

this as the most important privatization in the Argentina history. The government Commented [G4]: wf

started a plan to settle the debt and saves the bank system. Commented [G5]: vf / SM

During this crisis, in July of 1890, a civic and military rebellion occurred. The
Revolution of the Park, also known as the Revolution of '90, was thought to “save the
country from ruin” by “taking down a government that represented illegality and
corruption”. Even though the rebellion was defeated, it caused Juarez Celman to Commented [G6]: source?

resigned his role as president. Consequently, Carlos Pellegrini, the vicepresident Commented [G7]: Vf /SM

and solid ally of Roca, assumed the position.

The Civic Union appeared after Juárez Celman’s presidency was considered
corrupted. Therefore, they were against his way of governing and wanted to put an
end to it by naming an opposing presidential formula. Julio Argentino Roca, leader of
the Nacional Autonomist Party, agreed with Mitre another presidential formula of Commented [G8]: sp

“national unity” between both political parties but headed by Mitre himself. However,
Leandro Alem opposed to it and it led to a rupture inside de Civic Union and Mitre’s
withdrawal.

The Civic Union, in alliance with sectors of the army, sought to end this fraudulent
regime in order to bring about the economic, political and social changes that the
country needed. To differentiate itself from troops loyal to the regime, the Civic Union
acquired white berets. Commented [G9]: irrelevant
Acuña, Moira Magalí Estudios Interculturales en Lengua Inglesa I Brun, Gabriela
Estabio, Camila
Martinez, Wendy
Under the presidency of Carlos Pellegrini, the leaders of the Civic Union intensified
their internal differences, formalizing the rupture the following year. On the one hand,
those more inclined to the pact with the conservative regime formed the National
Civic Union. And, on the other, those led by Leandro N. Alem, who rejected every
pact with the regime and yearned for a root change of the political system, formed
the Radical Civic Union.

The crisis led Pellegrini to take budgetary discipline measures, such as cuts in public
fundings, the creation of certain taxes on exports and consumptions, tariffs increase
and the introduction of the first Argentinian Caja de Conversión that helped stabilize
the national currency and keep investment going. Soon economy emerged again.

Already around 1900 with Julio Argentino Roca in the presidency the argentine
economy had left behind the problems arising from the crisis of 1890. The diversity
and adaptability of Argentine exports had contributed to its recovery.

During the first government of Julio Argentino Roca occurred an expansion on

production, land, work and capital because of the large number of immigration, Commented [G10]: wo

foreign capitals and new lands available. The most important export category was,
by far, wool.

However, while economy was expanding, also did the fiscal and commercial deficit.
During Roca’s presidency, the public expenditure increased significantly because
most of it was used for the construction of infrastructure, railways, harbors, schools
and urbanization. All of these were financed by a debt that was supposed to be paid
with the future economic growth.

In 1902, the Residency Law was passed. It stated that any rebel foreigner who alter Commented [G11]: vt

the public order would be deported. This law was sanctioned by the National
Argentine Congress which allowed the government to deport immigrants without
previous trial. This law was used by successive argentine governments to suppress Commented [G12]: C

the workers’ syndical organizations, most of them being anarchists and socialists.
Acuña, Moira Magalí Estudios Interculturales en Lengua Inglesa I Brun, Gabriela
Estabio, Camila
Martinez, Wendy
By the 1904 elections, workers of La Boca neighborhood had chosen the first
socialist congressman of America: Alfredo Palacios. The country was growing
significantly and had found its path. This was a promising picture for immigration.

The socialist congressman, Alfredo Palacios, promoted various laws to improve

social and working conditions, including the 1905 prohibition of women and children
at risky jobs, installation of a minimum age for work, and the introduction of 60
weekly working hours.

In 1906, the Argentine Regional Workers Federation (FORA, by its acronyms in

Spanish) led a campaign as a result of the reduction to rent and formed the League Commented [G13]: ?

of Combat against high rentals and taxes.

The Tenant Strike (1907) was a movement opposing the increase of rented houses Commented [G14]: The increase in houses or the price?

in Buenos Aires and others cities, traditionally called “conventillos”. This strike went
on during around 3 months.

The Slaughter of May 1st. happened when a FORA act was violently suppressed by
the police, under Coronel Ramón Falcon orders. On this day twelve workers were Commented [G15]: Possessive missing here.

killed and dozens of them heavily injured. In response to it, a general strike went on
for an unlimited period, and Buenos Aires and many other cities were left completely
paralyzed during a whole week.

However, as the Centenary Anniversary was approaching, the Argentine

government, led by José Figueroa Alcorta, decided to organize many festivities
showing the country recovery. This was supposed to show a modern and rich Commented [G16]: Idem 15

country, but in reality it was full of poverty, social conflicts and exclusion. It was
actually a party for the Buenos Aires’ oligarchy.

In connection with economy, progress was made as a result of the national

organization that happened after internal and external struggles with the
establishment of the National Constitution. The changes in overseas transport and
the railway impulsed the increase of agriculture and livestock.

https://prezi.com/p/9g0cwzdqjysh/