Argentina: From Economic Prosperity to Political Upheaval (Late 19th - Early 20th Century)

Argentina

Economic Growth (Late 19th - Early 20th Century)

Argentina's economic growth during this period hinged on three factors:

• A booming European market for Argentine products
• An influx of immigrants providing cheap labor
• Significant foreign investment capital

Both rich and poor relied on the export economy, though its benefits were unevenly distributed. Notably, male employers favored women workers, perceiving them as cheaper, more reliable, efficient, and docile than their male counterparts. Despite Argentina's vast land being its greatest asset, ownership was concentrated in the hands of a few.

Society

Argentine society was stratified into three classes:

• Upper Class: Held a monopoly on land ownership and political control.
• Middle Class: Dominated trade.
• Lower Class: Comprised of two groups:
  • Workers
  • Marginalized individuals, including immigrants (Jews, Europeans, etc.) and women who resorted to prostitution, legalized in 1875. Ironically, this gave rise to the tango culture, a defining element of Argentina's national identity.

The Radical Era

The Radical Party, with its strong local urban organization, championed the middle class under the leadership of Hipolito Yrigoyen. During this era, Argentine women, facing inequality and treated as inferior, began advocating for their rights. The year 1910 marked a turning point with Argentina's first International Feminist Congress, demanding civil equality, improved working conditions, and equal pay.

The First Radical Government (1916-1922)

The Radicals' 1916 electoral victory ushered in Hipolito Yrigoyen's presidency. His ability to appease the middle class without alienating the oligarchy was crucial to the Radicals' continued rule.

The Second Radical Government (1922-1928)

Marcelo de Alvear assumed the presidency in 1922. Internal divisions led to the Radical Party's split into two factions in 1924. Yrigoyen returned to power in 1928 for his second term. However, the Great Depression dealt a severe blow to Argentina in 1929. Exports plummeted by 40%, foreign investment dried up, unemployment soared, and violence escalated. Yrigoyen, portrayed as corrupt by his opponents, was ousted in a military coup on September 6, 1930.

The "Infamous Decade" (1930-1943)

The "Infamous Decade" marked the end of Argentina's brief democratic experiment and the military's foray into national politics. The 1930 coup led by Lieutenant Jose Uriburu toppled Yrigoyen. While the economy recovered by 1934 and prostitution was abolished, the crisis lingered until 1936. This period cast a long shadow on Argentina's political landscape.