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The May Revolution

Genesis of Argentine Independence: Unpacking the pivotal events that reshaped a continent.

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Global Context: Seeds of Change

American Inspiration

The successful United States Declaration of Independence in 1776 served as a potent example for criollos, demonstrating the feasibility of revolution and self-governance against colonial powers.[5][6] The American Revolutionary War, where Spain aided the colonies against Great Britain, also subtly undermined the perceived criminality of severing ties with the mother country.[7]

Enlightenment Ideals

The ideals of the French Revolution of 1789 resonated across Europe and the Americas. The questioning of the divine right of kings, championed by documents like the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, and the assertion that "all men are created equal" from the U.S. Declaration, challenged traditional monarchical authority.[8][5]

Economic Imperatives

The burgeoning Industrial Revolution in Britain created a demand for new markets. However, Napoleon's Continental System restricted trade with Britain. Britain's subsequent attempts to invade the Río de la Plata and its eventual promotion of Spanish American emancipation aspirations were driven by these economic interests.[13][14][15]

Catalysts of Revolution: Internal Pressures

Spanish Crisis

The Abdications of Bayonne in 1808, where King Ferdinand VII abdicated under pressure from Napoleon, leading to Joseph Bonaparte's coronation, created a power vacuum. The subsequent Peninsular War and the eventual dissolution of Spain's Supreme Central Junta left the legitimacy of colonial viceroys in question.[18][19][20]

Criollo Grievances

Spain's restrictive trade policies, favoring its own ports and merchants, stifled the economy of Buenos Aires, leading to widespread smuggling. The preference given to peninsular Spaniards in political appointments over locally born criollos fostered resentment and a sense of political disenfranchisement.[22][23][24][25][28]

Military Empowerment

The successful defense of Buenos Aires against British invasions in 1806-1807, led by Santiago de Liniers, empowered the criollo militias. These events demonstrated the capacity for self-defense without Spanish aid and increased criollo confidence, while also highlighting the perceived weakness and lack of support from Spain.[22][30][32]

Intellectual Currents

The circulation of Enlightenment ideas, despite Spanish prohibitions, influenced criollo intellectuals. Concepts like popular sovereignty, articulated through works encountered during university studies or smuggled texts, provided a theoretical framework for challenging established authority.[5][9][11]

The Prelude: Political Maneuvering

Liniers's Viceroyalty and Opposition

Following the British invasions, Santiago de Liniers was acclaimed Viceroy. However, his administration faced opposition from peninsulars like Martín de Álzaga and Francisco Javier de Elío. The mutiny of Álzaga in January 1809, though suppressed by criollo militias, revealed deep divisions and the growing assertiveness of criollo factions.[45][49][51]

Cisneros's Appointment and Early Tensions

Baltasar Hidalgo de Cisneros replaced Liniers in June 1809. His appointment by the Supreme Central Junta, which was itself in a precarious position, was questioned. The subsequent deposing of governors in Chuquisaca and La Paz in May-July 1809, though swiftly repressed, demonstrated the growing unrest and the Spanish authorities' harsh response, further fueling criollo resentment.[58][65][66]

Carlota Joaquina's Project

The political project of Carlota Joaquina, sister of Ferdinand VII, to establish a constitutional monarchy in the Americas was considered by some criollos as an alternative to French domination or direct Spanish rule. However, conflicting goals and British opposition led to its failure, highlighting the complex web of political aspirations.[37][40]

The May Week: A Crucible of Decision

18-19 May: News and Mobilization

News of the Spanish Junta's dissolution and the French advance reached Buenos Aires, confirming the collapse of Spanish authority. Viceroy Cisneros attempted to suppress this information, but it quickly circulated among criollo leaders like Belgrano and Castelli. They, along with military figures like Saavedra, began organizing to demand an open cabildo to address the crisis.[74][78][79]

20-21 May: Public Pressure Mounts

The Viceroy reluctantly agreed to convene an open cabildo on 22 May. Revolutionary leaders met to strategize, securing military support and organizing public demonstrations. The play "Rome Saved" served as a platform for patriotic sentiment, with actors delivering speeches that resonated with the growing desire for self-determination.[85][92][96]

22 May: The Open Cabildo Debate

The open cabildo convened, debating the legitimacy of Viceroy Cisneros and the principle of "retroversion of sovereignty to the people"—the idea that sovereignty returns to the populace in the absence of the monarch. While some defended the Viceroy, the majority, influenced by criollo arguments and public pressure, voted to dismiss him.[106][113][114]

23-24 May: Formation and Rejection of the Junta

The Cabildo, interpreting the vote, formed a provisional Junta that included Cisneros as president, a move seen as undermining the open cabildo's decision. Saavedra and Castelli resigned in protest. Facing escalating unrest and the refusal of military commanders to support him, Cisneros ultimately agreed to resign.[127][137][142]

25 May: Establishment of the Primera Junta

A large crowd gathered, demanding the final removal of Cisneros and the establishment of a new government elected by the people. The Cabildo, facing military disobedience and public pressure, accepted the popular demands. The Primera Junta was formed, marking the effective beginning of self-governance in Buenos Aires.[145][158]

The Primera Junta: Governing Authority

Composition and Mandate

The Primera Junta, established on 25 May 1810, was initially composed of Cornelio Saavedra (President), Manuel Alberti, Miguel de Azcuénaga, Manuel Belgrano, Juan José Castelli, Domingo Matheu, and Juan Larrea, with Juan José Paso and Mariano Moreno as secretaries. While professing loyalty to Ferdinand VII, the Junta effectively operated as a self-governing body, initiating the process of independence.[162][163]

Early Actions and Challenges

The Junta faced immediate opposition from royalist elements, including the Council of Regency and the Royal Audiencia, leading to the exile of Cisneros and the Audiencia members. It also encountered resistance from other regions like Paraguay and Banda Oriental, initiating military expeditions to secure support and consolidate its authority.[167][171][174]

The "Mask of Ferdinand VII"

The Junta's declared loyalty to the deposed King Ferdinand VII is a subject of historical debate. Many historians interpret this as a strategic maneuver—the "Mask of Ferdinand VII"—to gain autonomy and avoid immediate counter-revolution, while gradually moving towards full independence. This strategy was maintained through subsequent governing bodies until the formal Declaration of Independence in 1816.[171][209][213]

Enduring Legacy: Shaping a Nation

Shift in Governance

The May Revolution fundamentally altered the relationship between rulers and the ruled. It introduced the concept of popular sovereignty, asserting the right of the people to self-governance in the absence of legitimate monarchical authority. This principle evolved over time, contributing to the eventual establishment of Argentina's republican system.[187][189]

Fragmentation and Identity

The collapse of Spanish authority led to the dissolution of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata. Regional differences and interests contributed to conflicts between Buenos Aires and other provinces, a dynamic that shaped Argentina's subsequent civil wars and the ongoing debate over national identity and federalism.[189][191]

National Commemoration

May 25th is celebrated as Argentina's national day, commemorating the formation of the first self-governing government. Landmarks like the Plaza de Mayo and the May Pyramid stand as testaments to this foundational event, symbolizing the nation's quest for independence and self-determination.[234][235]

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References

References

  1.  Spanish: "No es tiempo, dejen ustedes que las brevas maduren y entonces las comeremos" Cited by Luna, ...Cornelio Saavedra, p. 84
  2.  Spanish: ...y no quede duda que es el pueblo el que confiere la autoridad o mando Cited by Abad de Santillán, p. 408
  3.  Spanish: siempre que la conducta de esa Capital sea consecuente y se conserve a nombre del Sr. Dn. Fernando VII y de sus legítimos sucesores (Strangford), cited by Guiñazú, p. 130
A full list of references for this article are available at the May Revolution Wikipedia page

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This content has been generated by an AI model and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is based on data extracted from Wikipedia and aims to provide a comprehensive overview suitable for advanced academic study. However, the AI's interpretation and synthesis of information may not capture all nuances or scholarly debates surrounding the May Revolution.

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