Juan Manuel de Rosas Argentine Caudillo Governor of Buenos Aires (1829-1852)

1. Juan Manuel de RosasArgentine CaudilloGovernor of Buenos Aires (1829-1852) Caudillo:Strong-man leader common throughout Latin America in the 19th century in the years following independence. Often caudillos were national leaders (presidents or otherwise) but some were merely local leaders who wielded great influence. In many areas of Latin America, the instability caused by the power void after independence explains the rise and popularity of caudillos. Generally these leaders possessed the following characteristics: Capable military leaders:Most gained legitimacy as military men through their participation in the Wars of Independence (1810-20) Wealthy: Generally caudillos were independently wealthy (often tied to large landholdings) and were able to finance their own private armies. Ruthless: Caudillos were renowned for their indiscriminate use of terror and intimidation to maintain power. Charismatic: Caudillos were known to be extremely charming and charismatic. This personality trait provided them a large degree of popular support. Ready and reliable: Caudillos were reputed to possess the characteristics of “Machismo” and were known for their bravery, physical abilities, and masculinity.

2. Argentina in the 19th Century • Unitarios: Anti-Rosas political movement based in the countryside of Argentina. Members (including many intellectuals) promoted a liberal political platform and used the press to oppose the federalist-Rosas regime prompting aggressive censorship policies throughout the country. Many of the Unitario intellectuals were also referred to as the “Generation of 1837” and were forced to flee into exile as Rosas’s power grew. • Federales: Political movement in 19th century Argentina that backed the Rosas regime. Members included the bourgeoisie elite, centrists and conservatives, leaders in the Catholic Church, gauchos, some urban workers, and some of the rural population. The largest support base was in the cities, particularly Buenos Aires. Supporters of Rosas were distinguishable by their red ribbons (blue and white of the Unitarios would arouse suspicion and could result in punishment). • Gaucho: Argentine cowboys – men whose livelihood was tied to the large population of wild horses and cattle in the Argentine countryside. These men developed a strong sense of autonomy, living outside of major urban settlements, living off the land, and looking out for their own. Gauchos have gained a romanticized reputation of being brave, masculine, independent, and able. • Mazorca Force – Rosas’s private police force who supported the “rule by terror” and forced complaince through violence during Rosas’s rule. • Domingo Faustino Sarmiento – Anti-Rosas writer, intellectual, and educator who was forced into exile during the Rosas era. From Chile, he continued to write caustic criticisms of the Rosas regime.