Unitarian vs. Federalist Conflicts in Early Argentina (1820s)

Caudillos

Caudillo: A term for powerful landowners who led rural militias.

Unitarian Project

Unitarians held a centralist political conception, espousing the need for a strong central government. Economically, they aimed to maintain free trade and the hegemony of the Port of Buenos Aires, ensuring it remained the sole port and that customs revenue stayed within the province.

Federal Project

Organization based on the voluntary association of provinces. Provinces sought to retain the ability to elect their own authorities and establish their own constitutions and laws.

Federalists of the Interior

Advocated for customs protection policies to support local producers.

Coastal Federalists

Demanded the free navigation of the Paraná and Uruguay rivers, seeking independence from Buenos Aires' control.

Buenos Aires Federalists

Opposed opening ports other than Buenos Aires.

The Constituent Congress (1824)

Following the departure of Martín Rodríguez, Gregorio de las Heras took office as governor and initiated a constitutional convention with representatives from all provinces. While its primary purpose was national organization, the call was driven by two immediate concerns:

• The Eastern Bank (modern Uruguay) had been incorporated into the Empire of Brazil, a situation escalating towards war.
• The Buenos Aires government was negotiating a treaty and a commercial loan with Great Britain.

The 'Happy Experience' in Buenos Aires

This period involved political leaders and influential groups (poderosos), forming the 'Party of Order'. Its goal was to implement reforms bringing stability to the province after the political crisis of 1820, driven by Bernardino Rivadavia.

Rivadavia's Reforms

These politico-administrative reforms aimed to overcome overlapping functions inherited from the colonial era and centralize power. Key reforms established:

• Universal male suffrage.
• A Board of Representatives as the legislative power.
• Military reform (aimed at reducing war costs).
• Ecclesiastical reform (addressing clashes between civil and religious authority).
• Cultural reforms (e.g., creation of literary societies).
• Economic innovation (favoring agro-export activities).
• Establishment of the Discount Bank (for lending).
• Expansion of boundaries (incorporating new lands).