Amanda Franco
March 15, 2018
LAH 3133
Facundo Essay
Juan Manuel de Rosas was a conservative Argentinian ruler who governed Buenos Aires from 1829-1832 and again in 1835-1852. In terms of his reputation within Argentina, some see him as an advocate for independence and culture. Others, however, view him as a tyrannical ruler that oppressed the Argentine people. He brutally suppressed opposition through means of assassinations and executions, and refused to establish a national constitution. Those who opposed his rule, were expelled from the country or fled out of fear for their lives. Distressed by the totalitarian state that they found themselves in, many Argentinians left the country and began to form uprisings. Within the book Facundo, the
…show more content…
He was the first president of the Argentine Republic and facilitated tremendous progress and development in the city. He shed no blood and exemplified the glory of the city, seen as a second Europe. He called for the provinces to unite in a congress and general government in 1825. Once, he thought the provinces were against him he resigned the presidency. Rivadavia resigned after it became clear the provinces did not approve of him. Argentina began to prepare for war against Brazil in 1825 and asked the provinces for men. Facundo relished in fighting but often turned against those who commanded him. Eventually Facundo traveled to Cordova but was defeated in the Battle of Tablada by General Paz, a man of European military training, intellect, and refinement. When Facundo returned to La Rioja to rule with a brutal and iron fist, there was a civil war going on. He pursued women, gambled, and executed those that opposed him. Facundo eventually sought refuge in Buenos Aires to escape his enemies and traveled to Mendoza and obliterated the once beautiful city. Afterwards Paz was captured and Facundo headed back to San Juan. Sarmiento views this as a great tragedy, for it could have been such a productive region. Chaos and division plagued the Republic. Rosas eventually became president after manipulations and corruption, he and Facundo began to war with each other. Facundo 's barbarism foreshadows that of Rosas. Also, Sarmiento writes, “Civilization will, however feeble its present resistance, one day resume its place” (Facundo pg.