Argentina Prologue



Summary of the May Revolution

The May Revolution took place in 1810 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Spain had recently been taken over by France. The Viceroy in Buenos Aires, Viceroy Cisneros, wouldn’t spread the news to anyone. Finally, rumors began to circulate around Buenos Aires until finally Viceroy Cisneros admitted what happened. When he admitted it, people began to wonder how honest he was and how honest the Spanish government was. The citizens gathered at open town hall meetings and decided that a change was needed. They voted on whether or not Viceroy Cisneros should keep his position, 69 people voted for him while another 155 people voted against him. With Cisneros out of office, they created a Junta. People proposed Cisneros be the president of the Junta, but this idea was quickly destroyed. In the end, they created the First Junta, which was run by local authority.

Brinton’s Anatomy of a Revolution Compared to the May Revolution

Conditions Which Seem to be Present as Causes of the May Revolution

1. People feel restless and held down by unacceptable restrictions in society, religion, the economy or the government.

''The citizens of Buenos Aires were very angry with their government because the government wasn’t being honest. Because of this, the citizens needed a change.''

2. The government does not respond to the needs of its society.

''The citizens of Buenos Aires needed their government to be honest to them during times of crisis. They also needed less taxes. Finally, they needed protection from Spain during the attacks of the British.''

3. The leaders of the government and the ruling class begin to doubt themselves. Some join with the opposition groups.

''Viceroy Cisneros wasn’t being honest with the people of Buenos Aires. Many citizens began to gather in attempts to overthrow him.''

The Course That the May Revolution Seems to Take

1. Unsuccessful government attempts to suppress revolutionaries. The government tried to suppress revolutionaries by attempting to get the support of the wealthy, but this backfired and led to the May Revolution.

2. Revolutionaries gain power and seem united.

When the revolutionaries in Buenos Aires gained power, they overthrew Viceroy Cisneros.

3. Moderate groups regain power. The revolution is over.

When the citizens of Buenos Aires started the First Junta after Viceroy Cisneros was overthrown, the May Revolution was over.

Results of the May Revolution

1. Did the ideals of the revolution change as its leadership changed?

''Yes, the ideals of the May Revolution changed as its leadership changed. When Viceroy Cisneros and the Spanish government wee in control, Argentina had many issues, but when Viceroy Cisneros was overthrown, these issues seemed to change for the better.''

2. Were the original goals of the revolution achieved? At what point? Were these achievements conserved?

''The goal of the May Revolution was to overthrow Viceroy Cisneros. This goal was achieved when the First Junta was created. Yes, the achievments were conserved, Viceroy Cisneros was overthrown for good.''

3. How was the old political order of society changed as a result of the revolution?

The old political order of the society changed as a result of the May Revolution because a completely new government was put in charge, the old one was completely destroyed.

Bibliography for "Prologue"

“May Revolution.” Nation Master. 5 Nov. 2008 .

Minster, Christopher. “Argentina: The May Revolution.” About.com. 5 Nov. 2008 .