Independencia 9 de Julio de 1816 🇦🇷 | 📜 Congreso de Tucumán

Summary

The script narrates the pivotal event of Argentine independence on July 9, 1816, detailing the challenges faced and the events leading up to the declaration of a free nation. It highlights the divided opinions on the pace of independence, the economic stagnation due to a lack of industrialization, and the political maneuvering of figures like Carlos María de Alvear. The Congress of Tucumán is a focal point, where the unanimous decision for independence was made, leading to the signing of the Act of Independence. The script also touches on the subsequent struggles, including the civil wars and the fight against royalist armies, culminating in the Battle of Ayacucho in 1824.

Takeaways

• 📜 The 9th of July 1816 marks a pivotal event in Argentine history, where the former Spanish Viceroyalty declared itself a free nation.
• 🏛 After the May Revolution, the provinces of the United Provinces of the Rio de la Plata were divided, with differing views on the pace of independence and internal changes.
• 🌐 Buenos Aires sought to control the political head of the revolution and the main port for trade, while other provinces desired more autonomy.
• 🛠 The economic stagnation due to a lack of industrialization hindered the nation's progress, contrasting with the young United States' growth.
• 👤 Carlos María de Alvear, the first president of the 1813 Assembly, became an obstacle to the revolution due to self-serving political management.
• 🌐 International relations were strained as the British, allied with Spain against Napoleon, opposed the revolution, and the return of absolute monarchs post-Napoleonic fall intensified Spanish control attempts.
• 🏢 The Congress of Tucumán was convened without the support of the Litoral and the Banda Oriental, reflecting internal and external challenges.
• 🏡 The Congress was held at the house of Doña Francisca Bazán de Laguná, now known as the 'Casita de Tucumán', symbolizing unity and central location.
• 🗣️ On July 9th, all delegates unanimously supported independence, signing the Act of Independence, rejecting Spanish rule and affirming their status as a free nation.
• 📜 The Act declared the provinces' unanimous and indisputable will to break ties with the Spanish monarchy and to recover their rights as a free and independent nation.
• 🎉 Celebrations followed the declaration, with the news spreading rapidly and being translated into indigenous languages, signifying inclusivity.
• 📚 The subsequent years saw a unitary and centralist constitution in 1819 that concentrated power in Buenos Aires, leading to further divisions and civil war.

Q & A

What was the significance of the 9th of July 1816 in Argentine history?

The 9th of July 1816 marked the declaration of independence from Spain, as the former Spanish Viceroyalty declared itself a free nation, a key event in the Argentine independence process.

What were the main obstacles faced by the provinces after the May Revolution?

The provinces were divided in their views on independence, with some favoring a quick break from Spain for internal reforms, while others supported a more conservative approach. Additionally, Buenos Aires wanted to control the political scene and the main port for trade, while other provinces sought more autonomy.

How did the economic situation of the people impact the independence process?

The people were economically stagnant in a model of primary material export rather than manufacturing, which hindered the nation's progress towards industrialization, unlike what was happening in the United States at the time.

Who was Carlos María de Alvear and what role did he play in the revolution?

Carlos María de Alvear was the first president of the Assembly of the year 1813. He became an obstacle to the revolution due to his handling of political situations for personal and familial interests.

What was the significance of the Congress of Tucumán and why was it held there?

The Congress of Tucumán was significant as it was where the Act of Independence was signed. It was held in Tucumán because it was centrally located within the Viceroyalty and to avoid Buenos Aires being the sole protagonist of such an important event.

What was the 'Casita de Tucumán' and its role in the Congress?

The 'Casita de Tucumán' was the house of Doña Francisca Bazán de Laguná, which was chosen and modified to host the Congress. It is remembered to this day as the place where the independence was declared.

Who was the first president to preside over the Congress of Tucumán and when did the sessions begin?

Pedro Medrano was the first president to preside over the Congress, and the sessions began on the 24th of March 1816.

What was the main debate regarding the new form of government during the Congress of Tucumán?

The main debate was whether the new government would be a monarchy or a republic. Belgrano proposed a moderated monarchy led by an Inca prince, but this idea was generally rejected, especially by the people of Buenos Aires, who proposed a federation of provinces.

What did the Act of Independence state on the 9th of July 1816?

The Act of Independence declared the unanimous and indisputable will of the provinces to break the violent ties that bound them to the kings of Spain, to recover the rights they had been deprived of, and to assume the high character of a free and independent nation.

What was the outcome of the Congress of Tucumán after the declaration of independence?

After the declaration of independence, the resolution was expanded on the 19th of July to clarify that the freedom encompassed any foreign dominion. Celebrations were held, and the news spread quickly across the provinces, with copies of the Act in Spanish and translated into Quechua and Aymara languages.

What happened after the Congress of Tucumán in terms of governance and constitution?

The sessions moved to Buenos Aires in January 1817, and two years later, on the 22nd of April 1819, a unitary and centralist constitution was sanctioned that gave all power to Buenos Aires, disadvantaging the provinces. This lack of consensus led to more divisions among the provinces, some of which dictated their own constitutions.