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The invasion of Spain by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1808 was the direct trigger for the May Revolution in Buenos Aires.
Answer: True
Napoleon Bonaparte's invasion of Spain in 1808 led to the abdication of King Ferdinand VII and the subsequent political crisis in the Spanish Empire. This destabilization created the opportune moment for revolutionary movements in the Americas, including the May Revolution in Buenos Aires.
News of the dissolution of the Supreme Central Junta in Spain significantly undermined Viceroy Cisneros's authority in Buenos Aires.
Answer: True
The Supreme Central Junta was the governing body in Spain resisting Napoleon. Its dissolution and replacement by a Council of Regency in Cádiz created a power vacuum and questioned the legitimacy of Viceroy Cisneros, whose appointment was tied to the defunct Junta.
Which event served as the direct catalyst for the May Revolution?
Answer: Napoleon Bonaparte's invasion of Spain.
Napoleon Bonaparte's invasion of Spain in 1808, which led to the deposition of King Ferdinand VII and the subsequent political crisis in the Spanish Empire, created the opportune moment and justification for the May Revolution in Buenos Aires.
How did the news of the Supreme Central Junta's dissolution impact Viceroy Cisneros?
Answer: It undermined his legitimacy, as his appointment was tied to the defunct Junta.
The dissolution of the Supreme Central Junta, which had appointed Viceroy Cisneros, critically weakened his position. His authority was derived from a body that no longer existed, creating a crisis of legitimacy that the criollos exploited to demand a change in governance.
The open cabildo on May 22, 1810, debated the future governance following the crisis caused by:
Answer: The abdication of King Ferdinand VII and the collapse of Spanish authority.
The crisis that prompted the open cabildo was the abdication of King Ferdinand VII and the subsequent collapse of legitimate Spanish authority due to Napoleon's invasion. This created a power vacuum and questioned the legitimacy of existing colonial governments.
The Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata at the time of the May Revolution only encompassed territories corresponding to modern-day Argentina.
Answer: False
The Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata was a vast territory that included not only modern-day Argentina but also significant portions of present-day Bolivia, Uruguay, Paraguay, and parts of Brazil. The May Revolution originated in Buenos Aires, its capital.
Restrictive Spanish trade policies, favoring Spain over the colonies, contributed to economic grievances leading up to the May Revolution.
Answer: True
Spain's mercantilist policies imposed trade restrictions that benefited the metropole at the expense of the colonies. These policies led to economic hardship, limited opportunities, and fostered resentment, particularly in commercial centers like Buenos Aires, contributing to the revolutionary climate.
Rivalry between criollos and peninsulars was minimal and did not contribute to revolutionary sentiment.
Answer: False
A significant and persistent rivalry existed between criollos (American-born Spaniards) and peninsulars (Spaniards born in Spain). Peninsulars often held preferential access to political and ecclesiastical positions, fueling criollo resentment and contributing substantially to revolutionary sentiment.
The Chuquisaca and La Paz Revolutions of 1809 were successfully suppressed and had no influence on subsequent events in Buenos Aires.
Answer: False
While the Chuquisaca and La Paz Revolutions of 1809 were ultimately suppressed by royalist forces, they served as important precursors. They demonstrated the growing desire for autonomy in the region and provided valuable experience and inspiration for the revolutionary movements that followed, including the May Revolution.
Spain typically filled political offices in the viceroyalty with criollos, leading to resentment among peninsulars.
Answer: False
Contrary to this statement, Spain typically appointed peninsular Spaniards to most high-ranking political and administrative offices in the viceroyalty, often overlooking qualified criollos. This practice generated significant resentment among the criollo population.
Which of the following territories was NOT part of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata during the May Revolution?
Answer: Chile
The Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata encompassed territories that are now Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Chile was part of the Captaincy General of Chile, a separate administrative unit within the Spanish Empire.
Spain's restrictive trade policies contributed to the May Revolution by causing:
Answer: Economic shortages and resentment.
Spain's monopolistic trade policies, designed to benefit the metropole, often resulted in shortages of essential goods and limited economic opportunities for the colonies. This created widespread economic grievances and resentment, particularly in Buenos Aires, which relied heavily on contraband trade.
The rivalry between criollos and peninsulars stemmed primarily from:
Answer: Preferential treatment and political advantages given to peninsulars.
The primary source of tension between criollos and peninsulars was the latter's privileged access to high-ranking positions in government, the church, and the military. This systemic discrimination fostered deep resentment among criollos, who felt excluded from power despite their wealth and social standing.
What was a key consequence of the British invasions of 1806-1807 for the criollos?
Answer: Demonstration of Spain's inability to defend the colonies and boosted criollo confidence.
The successful repulsion of the British invasions by local militias, without significant Spanish assistance, highlighted Spain's military weakness and fostered a sense of self-reliance and capability among the criollos. This experience boosted their confidence and political aspirations.
The May Revolution, occurring from May 18 to May 25, 1810, led to the immediate and full declaration of independence for the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata from Spain.
Answer: False
The May Revolution, spanning May 18-25, 1810, marked the establishment of the Primera Junta, a provisional government. However, this event did not constitute an immediate and full declaration of independence; rather, it was a crucial step towards eventual independence, declared formally in 1816.
The primary immediate outcome of the May Revolution was the establishment of the Primera Junta, a local governing body.
Answer: True
The May Revolution culminated on May 25, 1810, with the formation of the Primera Junta, a council that replaced the Spanish viceroy and assumed governance of the territory, marking the beginning of self-rule.
Criollo leaders responded to the political crisis by immediately launching an armed rebellion against Spanish rule.
Answer: False
Rather than immediately launching an armed rebellion, criollo leaders organized an 'open cabildo' (a special assembly) to debate the future governance of the Viceroyalty, demonstrating a preference for political and legal processes initially.
The open cabildo held on May 22, 1810, resulted in the immediate dismissal of Viceroy Cisneros and the formation of an independent government.
Answer: False
The open cabildo on May 22, 1810, did result in the dismissal of Viceroy Cisneros. However, the subsequent government formed was the Primera Junta, which initially governed in the name of Ferdinand VII, not an immediately independent government.
The 'Infernal Legion' was a group that exerted popular pressure by demanding an open cabildo and the Viceroy's resignation on May 21, 1810.
Answer: True
The 'Infernal Legion,' a group of armed citizens led by Domingo French and Antonio Beruti, actively demonstrated in the Plaza de la Victoria on May 21, 1810, demanding an open cabildo and the removal of Viceroy Cisneros, thereby exerting significant popular pressure.
Revolutionaries ensured a favorable outcome in the open cabildo by allowing only peninsular Spaniards to participate.
Answer: False
Revolutionaries actively worked to ensure a favorable outcome by distributing additional invitations to the open cabildo, thereby increasing the presence and influence of criollo supporters. They did not restrict participation to peninsular Spaniards.
The vote during the open cabildo on May 22, 1810, showed a clear majority in favor of retaining Viceroy Cisneros.
Answer: False
The vote during the open cabildo on May 22, 1810, resulted in a decisive majority (155 votes to 69) in favor of dismissing Viceroy Cisneros, reflecting the strong popular demand for change.
On the morning of May 25, 1810, the crowd demanded the reinstatement of Cisneros and the dissolution of the newly formed Junta.
Answer: False
On the morning of May 25, 1810, the gathered crowd demanded the dissolution of the controversial Junta that included Cisneros and the formation of a new government that excluded him, not his reinstatement.
Military commanders readily obeyed the Cabildo's orders to suppress demonstrators on May 25, 1810.
Answer: False
Military commanders, notably Cornelio Saavedra, refused to obey the Cabildo's orders to suppress the demonstrators on May 25, 1810. They indicated that the troops would mutiny if ordered to act against the people, effectively withdrawing support from Cisneros.
The military commanders, specifically criollo militias, supported the Cabildo's authority against the demonstrators on May 25th.
Answer: False
The military commanders, particularly those leading the criollo militias such as Cornelio Saavedra, did not support the Cabildo's authority against the demonstrators on May 25th. Instead, they sided with the popular will, refusing to suppress the protests and thereby facilitating the establishment of the Primera Junta.
What specific type of assembly did criollo leaders organize to decide on future governance?
Answer: An open cabildo
In response to the political crisis, criollo leaders organized an 'open cabildo' (cabildo abierto), a special assembly of prominent citizens, to deliberate on the future governance of the Viceroyalty, marking a significant departure from traditional Spanish colonial administration.
What tactic did revolutionaries use to influence the outcome of the open cabildo on May 22?
Answer: They ensured a majority of criollo supporters were present and influential.
Revolutionaries strategically managed the composition of the open cabildo by distributing additional invitations, ensuring a greater representation of criollo sympathizers. They also used popular demonstrations to exert pressure, creating an environment conducive to their desired outcome.
The open cabildo on May 22, 1810, voted to dismiss Viceroy Cisneros by what margin?
Answer: An overwhelming majority (155 to 69).
The vote during the open cabildo on May 22, 1810, resulted in a decisive victory for the revolutionary faction, with 155 votes in favor of dismissing Viceroy Cisneros and only 69 votes against it.
What role did the military commanders, like Saavedra, play in the decisive moments of May 25, 1810?
Answer: They refused to obey the Cabildo's orders to suppress demonstrators, supporting the people's will.
On May 25, 1810, military commanders, notably Cornelio Saavedra, played a pivotal role by refusing to enforce the Cabildo's orders to suppress popular demonstrations. This refusal signaled their alignment with the revolutionary movement and effectively compelled Viceroy Cisneros's resignation.
The principle of 'retroversion of sovereignty to the people' was invoked to justify the formation of a new government by the people of Buenos Aires.
Answer: True
The principle of 'retroversion of sovereignty to the people' posits that sovereignty reverts to the populace in the absence of a legitimate monarch. This doctrine was central to the justification for the criollos establishing their own government when Spanish authority collapsed.
The 'Mask of Ferdinand VII' was a strategy where revolutionaries openly declared their desire for immediate independence from Spain.
Answer: False
The 'Mask of Ferdinand VII' was a strategic political maneuver wherein revolutionaries professed loyalty to the deposed Spanish King Ferdinand VII. This tactic was employed to gain legitimacy and time while covertly pursuing independence, rather than openly declaring it.
The ideals of the French Revolution, promoting concepts like equality, had no influence on the criollos' belief in independence.
Answer: False
The ideals of the French Revolution, emphasizing concepts such as equality, liberty, and popular sovereignty, significantly influenced criollo intellectuals and leaders, bolstering their belief in the possibility and legitimacy of challenging monarchical rule and pursuing independence.
Historians generally agree that the revolutionaries' loyalty to Ferdinand VII during the May Revolution was entirely genuine.
Answer: False
There is considerable historical debate regarding the sincerity of the revolutionaries' declared loyalty to Ferdinand VII. Many historians argue it was a strategic 'Mask of Ferdinand VII,' a pragmatic tactic to legitimize their actions and gain time while pursuing independence.
The 'argument of the elder sister' suggested that Buenos Aires should wait for other cities to initiate political reforms.
Answer: False
The 'argument of the elder sister,' presented by Juan José Paso, posited that Buenos Aires, as the principal city of the Viceroyalty, had the right and responsibility to take the initiative in establishing new governance, inviting other cities to join the process.
The Syllogism of Chuquisaca, developed by Bernardo Monteagudo, provided a legal basis for justifying self-governance.
Answer: True
The 'Syllogism of Chuquisaca,' articulated by Bernardo Monteagudo, presented a sophisticated legal and philosophical argument for the right of American colonies to self-governance, particularly in the context of a collapsed Spanish monarchy. It provided intellectual support for the revolutionary actions.
The principle of 'retroversion of sovereignty to the people' justified the actions of the May Revolutionaries based on what premise?
Answer: Sovereignty reverted to the populace when the monarch was absent or illegitimate.
The principle of 'retroversion of sovereignty to the people' asserts that in the absence of a legitimate monarch, or when the monarch's authority is compromised (as by deposition or capture), sovereignty returns to the people, empowering them to establish their own government.
What was the strategic purpose of the 'Mask of Ferdinand VII'?
Answer: To gain time and legitimacy by professing loyalty to the deposed king.
The 'Mask of Ferdinand VII' was a political strategy employed by the revolutionaries to maintain a facade of loyalty to the Spanish Crown, specifically to the deposed King Ferdinand VII. This allowed them to legitimize their actions and avoid immediate confrontation with loyalist factions while pursuing de facto independence.
Which two international events significantly influenced the criollos' belief in the possibility of revolution?
Answer: The American Declaration of Independence and the French Revolution.
The success of the American Revolution (1776) demonstrated that colonial independence was achievable, while the ideals and revolutionary fervor of the French Revolution (1789) inspired challenges to monarchical authority and promoted concepts of liberty and equality among criollo elites.
The 'Syllogism of Chuquisaca' provided a theoretical basis for:
Answer: Justifying self-governance and independence.
The 'Syllogism of Chuquisaca,' developed by Bernardo Monteagudo, offered a robust legal and philosophical framework that justified the right of the American colonies to self-governance and independence, particularly in the context of the crisis of the Spanish monarchy.
What historical debate exists regarding the revolutionaries' declared loyalty to Ferdinand VII?
Answer: Whether it was genuine or a strategic deception ('Mask of Ferdinand VII').
A significant historical debate centers on the authenticity of the revolutionaries' professed loyalty to Ferdinand VII. Many scholars contend it was a calculated political strategy, the 'Mask of Ferdinand VII,' designed to mask their true intentions of achieving independence.
Juan José Castelli argued that the people of Buenos Aires had the right to govern themselves due to the collapse of Spanish authority.
Answer: True
Juan José Castelli, a prominent lawyer and revolutionary, articulated the argument that the dissolution of the Supreme Central Junta rendered Spanish authority illegitimate. He invoked the principle of retroversion of sovereignty, asserting the right of the people of Buenos Aires to self-governance.
Viceroy Cisneros resigned on May 25, 1810, primarily because he was offered a more prestigious position in Spain.
Answer: False
Viceroy Cisneros resigned on May 25, 1810, not due to a better offer from Spain, but because he faced the imminent threat of popular revolt and potential mutiny from the military, which had withdrawn its support for his authority.
Mariano Moreno served as the president of the Primera Junta established on May 25, 1810.
Answer: False
Mariano Moreno served as the Secretary of the Primera Junta. The presidency of the Junta was held by Cornelio Saavedra.
Viceroy Baltasar Hidalgo de Cisneros was exiled from the Viceroyalty by the Primera Junta after his resignation.
Answer: True
Following his forced resignation on May 25, 1810, Viceroy Baltasar Hidalgo de Cisneros was subsequently exiled from the Viceroyalty by the Primera Junta, along with members of the Royal Audiencia who had opposed the new government.
Why did Viceroy Cisneros finally resign on May 25, 1810?
Answer: He faced the threat of popular revolt and militia mutiny after the controversial Junta formation.
Viceroy Cisneros resigned on May 25, 1810, under immense pressure. The controversial composition of the Junta, which included him, ignited popular outrage, and the military commanders indicated they would not suppress the ensuing demonstrations, leaving Cisneros with no viable option but resignation.
What was the composition of the Primera Junta regarding its leadership?
Answer: Cornelio Saavedra as President and Mariano Moreno as Secretary.
The Primera Junta, established on May 25, 1810, was presided over by Cornelio Saavedra, a military leader, while Mariano Moreno, a key intellectual figure, served as its Secretary. This leadership structure reflected a balance of military and political influence.
The Cabildo's initial interpretation of the open cabildo's decision involved appointing Cisneros as president of the newly formed Junta.
Answer: True
Following the open cabildo's vote to dismiss Viceroy Cisneros, the Cabildo controversially interpreted the decision by forming a new Junta but appointing Cisneros as its president, an action that provoked outrage among revolutionaries.
The Council of Regency and the Royal Audiencia of Buenos Aires immediately recognized and supported the Primera Junta.
Answer: False
The Council of Regency in Spain and the Royal Audiencia in Buenos Aires were among the entities that opposed the Primera Junta. The Audiencia actively worked against the Junta, leading to the exile of its members and Cisneros.
Most regions within modern-day Argentina initially supported the Primera Junta, while Upper Peru remained unified in its opposition.
Answer: False
While many regions within modern Argentina initially supported the Primera Junta, Upper Peru was divided, Paraguay rejected it, and the Banda Oriental remained a royalist stronghold. The situation was complex, not a simple division.
Which region remained a royalist stronghold and opposed the Primera Junta?
Answer: Banda Oriental (modern Uruguay)
While many areas eventually aligned with the revolutionary cause, the Banda Oriental (present-day Uruguay) remained a significant royalist stronghold and actively opposed the Primera Junta, contributing to the ongoing conflict.
The May Revolution led to the strengthening of the Viceroyalty's central authority and prevented future fragmentation.
Answer: False
The May Revolution significantly weakened the Viceroyalty's central authority and ultimately contributed to its fragmentation. It unleashed regional forces and aspirations that led to the eventual formation of multiple independent nations.
The May Revolution shifted the concept of governance from royal authority to the principle of popular sovereignty.
Answer: True
A fundamental legacy of the May Revolution was the transition in political thought from the divine right of kings and absolute royal authority to the concept of popular sovereignty, asserting that legitimate governance derives from the consent of the governed.
Bartolomé Mitre viewed the May Revolution primarily as an event focused on maintaining traditional Spanish colonial order.
Answer: False
Bartolomé Mitre, a prominent historian, interpreted the May Revolution not as an effort to preserve colonial order, but as a foundational moment for Argentine nationhood, characterized by a struggle for liberty and the establishment of a new political order.
The May 25th holiday in Argentina commemorates the final victory in the war of independence against Spain.
Answer: False
May 25th is celebrated in Argentina as 'First Patriotic Government' day, commemorating the establishment of the first autonomous government on that date in 1810. It marks the beginning of the independence process, not its final victory.
The 'Sun of May' symbol, featured on Argentine currency, is linked to the improved weather on May 25, 1810, seen as a positive omen.
Answer: True
The 'Sun of May,' a prominent symbol on Argentine currency and national emblems, is associated with the May Revolution. Its adoption is partly linked to the perception of favorable weather on May 25, 1810, interpreted by many as a positive omen for the revolutionary cause.
What was the long-term consequence of the May Revolution on the Viceroyalty's political structure?
Answer: It contributed to the eventual dissolution of the Viceroyalty and the formation of new nations.
The May Revolution initiated a process that ultimately led to the disintegration of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata. It fostered distinct regional identities and aspirations, paving the way for the emergence of several independent states in the subsequent decades.
How is May 25th commemorated in Argentina today?
Answer: As 'First Patriotic Government' day, celebrating the first autonomous government.
May 25th is observed as a national holiday in Argentina, known as 'Día de la Revolución de Mayo' or 'First Patriotic Government' day. It commemorates the establishment of the first autonomous government in Buenos Aires in 1810.