Liberal Thought in Argentina, 1837-1940

Liberal Thought in Argentina, 1837-1940 is the first compilation of primary sources that document the history and tradition of liberal thought in Argentina throughout the nineteenth and first half of the twentieth century. With only two exceptions, none of the works have ever been translated into English until now. Liberal ideas were very important in Argentina from the time of independence. The Argentine constitution, in force from 1853 to 1860, was based on liberal principles taken from both the North American and the European tradition. The book begins with the dictatorship of Juan Manuel de Rosas (1837-50), when a set of liberal ideas was formed that would subsequently have a decisive influence on the second period, the formation of the National Constitution (1852-60), examined in chapter 2. Succeeding chapters chronicle the surge of liberalism in Argentina, reflecting the great political, economic, and social debates and exemplifying the variety and richness of the body of liberal ideas during these times. Liberalism was appealed to for the construction of the state and to consolidate the political order; however, it was also called upon by the opposition to establish limits to power, to fight corruption, and to strengthen civil and political liberties. These debates took place in the context of a great process of transformation in the country, which included the organization of the federal regime and the development of one of the most liberal immigration legislations in the world. The writings in the final chapter review the gradual decline of liberalism. They rescue from obscurity those voices and writings that upheld and defended liberal ideals, those ideals concerning electoral and constitutional reforms and the resistance to totalitarian dictatorship during the twentieth century. This volume also includes a new introduction, editorial footnotes, a chronology, and brief biographies of the authors of the original texts.