The History of Argentina: From Pre-Columbian To Present | Paperback Book

This book explores the history of Argentina from pre-Columbian times to the present, covering indigenous cultures, colonial periods, independence movements, political developments, and economic challenges. It discusses key events such as conquests, rebellions, cultural evolutions, and modern crises.

Key Topics Covered:

• Pre-Columbian Era: Archaeological sites like Cueva de las Manos with handprints dating back approximately 9,000 to 13,000 years.
• Colonial Period: The founding of Buenos Aires by Pedro de Mendoza in 1536 and the role of enslaved Africans in society.
• 19th Century: Political conflicts under leaders like Juan Manuel de Rosas and indigenous campaigns such as the Conquest of the Desert led by Julio Argentino Roca.
• 20th Century: The Perón era, including the posthumous handling of Eva Perón's remains, the Dirty War with an estimated 30,000 disappearances, and the 2001 economic crisis.
• Cultural Aspects: Origins of tango influenced by African, European, and immigrant communities.
• Other Events: Jesuit missions in the region, gaucho rebellions, Nazi refugees post-World War II, and interactions with international organizations like the IMF.

Reader Feedback Example: "The discussion on the 2001 economic collapse provides context on events like bartering during the crisis." — Carlos R. (Verified Purchase)

Book Features:

• Comprehensive Timeline: Spans from ancient indigenous history to contemporary economic issues.
• Intended Audience: Suitable for those interested in Argentine heritage, cultural history, or political and economic analyses.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO EARLY INHABITANTS: PRE-COLUMBIAN SOCIETIES

• Earliest inhabitants and their cultural diversity
• Geographical influence on indigenous lifestyles
• Legacy of rock art, ruins, and pre-Columbian traditions

CHAPTER 2: THE ARRIVAL OF THE SPANISH: EARLY COLONIAL ERA

• Initial Spanish expeditions and conflicts
• Foundation and re-foundation of Buenos Aires
• Emergence of the encomienda system and missionary work

CHAPTER 3: GROWTH OF COLONIAL ARGENTINA: THE SPANISH CROWN’S POLICIES

• Administrative structures and key royal decrees
• Economic pursuits and mercantilism
• Impact of colonial trade restrictions on local elites

CHAPTER 4: RISE OF BUENOS AIRES: PORT AND COMMUNITY LIFE

• Evolution of the port city as a commercial hub
• Social classes and cultural developments in colonial society
• Interactions between settlers, indigenous groups, and African enslaved people

CHAPTER 5: SEEDS OF INDEPENDENCE: ENLIGHTENMENT IDEAS

• Influence of European philosophical thought
• Local intellectual circles and their role in questioning colonial rule
• Shifts in economic and political thinking leading to reform ideas

CHAPTER 6: THE MAY REVOLUTION AND THE EARLY WARS OF INDEPENDENCE

• Key events of 1810 and the formation of local juntas
• Military campaigns and early patriotic fervor
• Challenges and resistance from loyalist forces

CHAPTER 7: EMERGENCE OF NATIONAL HEROES: BELGRANO, SAN MARTÍN, AND MORE

• Leadership and contributions of key figures to the independence cause
• Military strategies and battles shaping early Argentina
• Formation of a new national identity

CHAPTER 8: STRUGGLE FOR UNITY: CIVIL WARS AND REGIONAL DIVISIONS

• Federalists vs. Unitarians and their ideological differences
• Regional power bases and inter-provincial tensions
• Societal impact of ongoing civil strife

CHAPTER 9: THE ROSAS ERA: SHAPING A NATION

• Centralization of power under Juan Manuel de Rosas
• Social and political reforms to maintain control
• Opposition groups and exiles challenging Rosas’s rule

CHAPTER 10: CONSTRUCTION OF THE ARGENTINE STATE: MID-19TH CENTURY REFORMS

• Laying down constitutional frameworks
• Emergence of political leadership and parties
• Negotiations and agreements that influenced nation-building

CHAPTER 11: THE LIBERAL AGE: IMMIGRATION AND ECONOMIC EXPANSION

• Massive European immigration and demographic changes
• Growth of agricultural exports, railways, and infrastructure
• Rise of liberal governments and modernization efforts

CHAPTER 12: GROWTH OF POLITICAL PARTIES AND SOCIAL MOVEMENTS

• Formation of radical and conservative blocs
• Labor movements and early workers’ organizations
• Social reforms and the push for broader representation

CHAPTER 13: EARLY 20TH CENTURY TENSIONS: RADICALISM AND THE INFAMOUS DECADE

• Rise of the Radical Party and electoral reforms
• Political instability and coup d’états
• Economic pressures leading to authoritarian trends

CHAPTER 14: CULTURAL AND SOCIAL CHANGES IN EARLY 20TH CENTURY ARGENTINA

• Expansion of tango, literature, and visual arts
• Growth of public education and intellectual circles
• Evolving social norms and the impact of urbanization

CHAPTER 15: THE PERÓN ERA: POLITICAL SHIFTS AND SOCIAL IMPACT

• Juan and Eva Perón’s rise to power
• Populist policies, labor rights, and social welfare
• Polarization of Argentine society under Peronism

CHAPTER 16: MILITARY INTERVENTIONS AND THE CHANGING POLITICAL LANDSCAPE

• Frequent coups and shifting political alliances
• Role of the military in governance and policy-making
• Mounting tensions between civilians and military leaders

CHAPTER 17: SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS: AGRICULTURE, INDUSTRY, AND URBANIZATION

• Transformation of the rural economy and livestock production
• Industrialization efforts and factory workforce growth
• Rise of major cities and evolving urban life

CHAPTER 18: SHIFTING CULTURAL IDENTITIES: TANGO, LITERATURE, AND SPORTS

• Spread of tango worldwide and its national significance
• Influential writers, poets, and artists
• Growing passion for football (soccer) and other sports

CHAPTER 19: APPROACHING THE LATE 20TH CENTURY: DEMOCRACY AND DICTATORSHIP

• Political oscillations and social unrest
• Pressure for democratic reforms vs. authoritarian crackdowns
• Persistent issues setting the stage for future change

CHAPTER 20: REFLECTIONS ON THE LEGACY OF ARGENTINE HISTORY

• Long-term impacts of historical periods on national identity
• Lessons learned from cultural, political, and economic developments
• Continuing influence of Argentina’s past on its present

Product Details

Dimensions: 5.8 × 8.3 inches / 15.24 x 22.86 cm
Cover: Paperback