Argentina's Revolutionary Governments: 1810-1811 Political Shifts

The Junta Grande: Argentina's First National Government

In November 1810, deputies from the interior provinces were integrated into the existing government, forming the Junta Grande (Great Board). This expansion aimed to create a more representative congress.

However, internal conflicts arose. Mariano Moreno, a key figure, faced opposition and was eventually removed from office. He departed for London but tragically died at sea. He was replaced by Gregorio Funes.

Under Funes, a new governmental system was established, dividing authority into provincial boards with a president and other members. Meanwhile, the Morenistas, followers of Mariano Moreno, including figures like Domingo French and Antonio Beruti, formed the Patriotic Society (identifiable by their white and blue ribbons). They attempted to stage a coup, but it failed.

The events of April 5-6, 1811, involving "orillero" soldiers (from the outskirts), led to the dissolution of the Patriotic Society and the resignation of several board members. By September, Cornelio Saavedra, president of the Junta Grande, was dismissed following the army's defeat at Huaqui. The Junta Grande was subsequently replaced by the First Triumvirate.

The First Triumvirate: Centralization of Power

The First Triumvirate was formed by Juan José Paso, Feliciano Chiclana, and Manuel de Sarratea. They established a new government with key secretaries:

• Julián Pérez (Secretary of Government)
• Vicente López y Planes (Secretary of Finance)
• Bernardino Rivadavia (Secretary of War)

The Triumvirate adopted a more conservative approach, aiming to centralize power. They sought to dictate legislative and executive powers, a move that was not universally accepted, particularly by Rivadavia. A proposed legal regulation was sent to the Junta Conservadora (Conservative Council), but it was rejected as illegal. In response, Rivadavia dissolved the Council, asserting the Triumvirate's supreme authority and provincial status, effectively leading to a near-dictatorship.

Under this new structure, the triumvirs were to be renewed every six months, while the secretaries remained permanent (inamovibles).

The Mutiny of the Braids (Motín de las Trenzas)

Manuel Belgrano, after being judged for the defeat at Paraguarí, was acquitted. He was then appointed commander of the Regimiento de Patricios (Patricians Regiment), replacing Saavedra.

Belgrano's first significant act in this role was to order the soldiers to cut their braids, which were seen as a distinctive mark and a symbol of loyalty to the former leader, Saavedra. The soldiers refused, leading to the "Mutiny of the Braids." The Triumvirate reacted swiftly and brutally, sending soldiers to suppress the mutiny, resulting in casualties and the disbandment of the Patricians Regiment.

Centralization and Provincial Relations

The Triumvirate blamed the members of the former Junta Grande, particularly those from the interior provinces, for instigating the "Mutiny of the Braids" in Buenos Aires. Consequently, these provincial deputies were expelled from the city.

Further centralizing power, the Triumvirate dissolved the existing provincial boards and replaced them with governors directly appointed by Buenos Aires. These unwelcome measures significantly strained internal political relationships and worsened the already tense relations between Buenos Aires and the interior provinces.