Blog Post ONE: The Independence of Argentina

Which are the differences between the independence processes in USA and Argentina?


While learning about the growth of Argentina towards independence, I notice several similarities and differences between the process for the South American country and that of the United States. Both countries began as immigrant nations, collecting their populations from various different European countries, but as they grew their want for independence grew from different issues with their founding governments. The United States, branching from the English government, began their search for independence as soon as immigrants began arriving in the country. It was always the intention of the people to break free from the suppressive actions of the overseas authority, waiting for the appropriate moment and united strength of the colonies to begin war with the British. Argentina sought out independence for different reasons. Argentines were, in general, content with the relationship they had with the Spanish government. It was not until the king of Spain, Ferdinand VII, was removed from the thrown by Napoleon Bonaparte and was replaced by his brother Joseph Bonaparte that the Argentine people began to seek independence. The Argentines felt great loyalty to the king of Spain and, when he was overthrown, it was intended as a sign of loyalty to break away from the newly corrupt government. Once Ferdinand VII was returned to the thrown in 1815, the country of Argentina continued to seek their independence once they had realized that they could. It is at this point where the United States and Argentina contain similarities, both beginning long battles with their founding governments on the new land, as the governments of Britain and Spain attempted to “control” their colonies. In both situations the colonies were successful, fending off the over zealous governments and declaring their independence as growing nations.
Although both sought independence and freedoms, it was the initial spark for freedom that varied between the nations.