The History of Argentina Presidency

The history of the Argentine Presidency is a fascinating journey through political and social changes that have shaped the country’s development. Argentina, located in South America, gained independence from Spain in 1816. Since then, it has experienced a diverse range of governments, including various presidencies:

The Early Years and Civil Wars (1816 until 1862)

• After gaining independence, Argentina went through a turbulent period marked by internal conflicts and civil wars between different factions seeking control of the newly formed nation.
• During this time, the country was governed by a series of regional leaders, often known as “caudillos,” who held considerable power in their respective territories.
• The first constitutional president was Bernardino Rivadavia, who served from 1826 to 1827, but his presidency was short-lived due to opposition from regional leaders.

Consolidation of the Nation (1862 until 1916)

• In 1862, the Argentine Republic was formally established, and the first modern constitution was enacted.
• The presidency during this period was dominated by two main political parties: the Autonomist Party and the Radical Civic Union (UCR).
• Notable presidents during this era included Julio Argentino Roca, who served two non-consecutive terms (1880 until 1886 and 1898 until 1904) and focused on modernizing the country through infrastructure development and immigration.
• The UCR’s first president was Hipólito Yrigoyen, who was elected in 1916, marking the first time an opposition party won the presidency.

Infamous Decade and Perón Era (1930 until 1955)

• In 1930, a military coup marked the beginning of a turbulent period known as the “Infamous Decade.” During this time, civilian presidents were frequently overthrown by the military.
• In 1946, Juan Domingo Perón, a charismatic military officer, was elected as president. He introduced policies that favored the working class and expanded social benefits, but his government became increasingly authoritarian.
• Perón was deposed in 1955 by a military coup, leading to a period of political instability.

Military Dictatorships and Democracy (1955 until 1983)

• From 1955 to 1983, Argentina faced several periods of military dictatorship, where the military ruled the country directly without democratic elections.
• The most notorious of these dictatorships was the “Dirty War” (1976 until 1983), during which the military engaged in human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances and state terrorism against political dissidents.
• In 1983, democratic elections were restored, and Raúl Alfonsín was elected president, initiating a process of transitional justice to address the atrocities committed during the dictatorship.

Modern Democracy and Economic Challenges (1983 until Present)

• Since the restoration of democracy, Argentina has experienced alternating periods of economic prosperity and crises. – Carlos Menem, a Peronist, served as president from 1989 to 1999 and implemented neoliberal economic policies, including privatizations and deregulation.
• In 2001, a severe economic crisis led to widespread social unrest and the resignation of President Fernando de la Rúa.
• Néstor Kirchner was elected in 2003, followed by his wife, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, in 2007. Their governments focused on social welfare programs and economic nationalism.
• In 2015, Mauricio Macri, a pro-business candidate, was elected, marking a shift towards more market-oriented policies. However, his presidency faced economic challenges and a loss of public support.
• Alberto Fernández, a Peronist, won the presidential election in 2019, taking office in 2020. His presidency faced the significant challenge of handling the economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The country’s political history is complex and influenced by various factors, including economic conditions, social movements, and international relations.

Certainly! Here is a comprehensive list of Argentina’s presidents, along with their respective terms, political affiliations, and important events during their presidencies:

Bernardino Rivadavia (1826 until 1827) – Unitarian

• First President of Argentina after the country gained independence from Spain.
• His presidency faced opposition from regional leaders and was short-lived.

Vicente López y Planes (1827) – Unitarian

Interim President after the resignation of Bernardino Rivadavia.

Manuel Dorrego (1827) – Federalist

• Interim President after the resignation of Vicente López y Planes.
• Known for his federalist ideals and support from the provinces.

Juan Ramón Balcarce (1827) – Unitarian

Interim President after the resignation of Manuel Dorrego.

Juan Lavalle (1827) – Unitarian

Interim President after the resignation of Juan Ramón Balcarce.

Manuel Dorrego (1828) – Federalist

Re-elected as interim President but was soon overthrown and executed.

Juan Manuel de Rosas (1829 until 1832) – Federalist

• Dominated Argentine politics during the “Rosas Era,” known for his authoritarian rule.
• Ruled with an iron fist, promoting federalism and defending the interests of rural landowners.

Vicente López y Planes (1832) – Unitarian

Interim President after the fall of Juan Manuel de Rosas.

Justo José de Urquiza (1854 until 1860) – Federalist

• Elected as the first Constitutional President after defeating Rosas at the Battle of Caseros.
• His presidency marked the end of Rosas’s rule and the beginning of a more centralized state.

Santiago Derqui (1860 until 1861) – Federalist

• Last President of the Argentine Confederation before the country’s unification.
• Faced a rebellion from Buenos Aires, which led to his resignation.

Bartolomé Mitre (1862 until 1868) – National Autonomist Party

• Elected as the first President of the unified Argentine Republic.
• His presidency focused on building a modern nation and consolidating national institutions.
• Faced challenges from regional caudillos, leading to the Conquest of the Desert against indigenous groups.

Domingo Faustino Sarmiento (1868 until 1874) – National Autonomist Party

• Focused on educational and cultural reforms to modernize Argentina.
• His presidency is known as the “Sarmiento Era,” emphasizing education and public works.

Nicolás Avellaneda (1874 until 1880) – National Autonomist Party

• His presidency saw the completion of the Buenos Aires to Mendoza railway, linking Argentina’s east and west.
• Faced the Revolución de 1874 led by Bartolomé Mitre.

Julio Argentino Roca (1880 until 1886) – National Autonomist Party

• His government focused on expanding the nation’s territory through military campaigns.
• Known for the “Conquest of the Desert,” aimed at subduing and displacing indigenous groups.
• His second term saw significant economic growth and infrastructure development.

Miguel Juárez Celman (1886 until 1890) – National Autonomist Party

• His administration faced financial and economic crises, including the 1890 financial panic.
• Resigned amidst growing public discontent and protests.

Carlos Pellegrini (1890 until 1892) – National Autonomist Party

• Succeeded Juárez Celman after his resignation.
• His government implemented economic and fiscal reforms to stabilize the economy.

Luis Sáenz Peña (1892 until 1895) – Civic Union

His presidency is known for the enactment of the Sáenz Peña Law, introducing secret and compulsory voting.

José Evaristo Uriburu (1895 until 1898) – National Autonomist Party

• Came to power through a military coup against the government of Luis Sáenz Peña.
• His administration marked the beginning of a period of conservative military rule.

Julio Argentino Roca (1898 until 1904) – National Autonomist Party

• Re-elected for a third term.
• Focused on economic development and improving Argentina’s infrastructure.

Manuel Quintana (1904 until 1906) – National Autonomist Party

His presidency faced economic challenges and social unrest, including labor strikes.

José Figueroa Alcorta (1906 until 1910) – National Autonomist Party

His administration oversaw the Centennial of Argentine Independence celebrations in 1910.

Roque Sáenz Peña (1910 until 1914) – Civic Union

His presidency is known for the enactment of the Sáenz Peña Law, introducing universal male suffrage.

Victorino de la Plaza (1914 until 1916) – Civic Union

His administration faced labor strikes and political unrest.

Hipólito Yrigoyen (1916 until 1922) – Radical Civic Union (UCR)

• The first President elected by an opposition party, known as the “Radical” party.
• His government focused on social reforms, labor rights, and transparency in governance.
• His presidency was marked by political conflicts and opposition from conservative sectors.

Marcelo T. de Alvear (1922 until 1928) – Radical Civic Union (UCR)

• His presidency continued Yrigoyen’s reformist agenda, focusing on social and economic progress.
• His government faced economic challenges, including inflation and a recession.

Hipólito Yrigoyen (1928 until 1930) – Radical Civic Union (UCR)

• Re-elected for a second term but faced increasing opposition from conservative sectors.
• His presidency was characterized by political and social unrest.

José Félix Uriburu (1930 until 1932) – Military Dictator

• Came to power through a military coup that overthrew Yrigoyen.
• His government marked the end of the Radical Civic Union’s rule and the beginning of a series of military dictatorships.

Agustín Pedro Justo (1932 until 1938) – Concordancia

• Elected in a controversial election under the Concordancia alliance.
• His presidency faced allegations of fraud and corruption.

Roberto María Ortiz (1938 until 1942) – Concordancia

• His presidency saw economic difficulties exacerbated by World War II.
• Resigned due to health issues and was succeeded by his vice-president.

Ramón Castillo (1942 until 1943) – Concordancia

• Last President before another military coup.
• Faced economic challenges and growing political opposition.

Arturo Rawson (1943) – Military Dictator

His presidency lasted only a few days before being overthrown.

Pedro Pablo Ramírez (1943 until 1944) – Military Dictator

Came to power through a military coup.

Edelmiro Farrell (1944 until 1946) – Military Dictator

• His government marked a period of military rule.
• Resigned to pave the way for the return of civilian rule.

Juan Domingo Perón (1946 until 1955) – Justicialist Party (Peronist)

• Elected as the first Peronist president, marking the beginning of a new political era.
• His government implemented labor reforms, promoted workers’ rights, and expanded social benefits.
• Nationalized key industries and implemented protectionist economic policies.
• Cultivated a strong support base among the working class and labor unions.

Eduardo Lonardi (1955) – Military Dictator

Led the military coup that overthrew President Perón, ending his first presidential term.

Isidro Figueroa (1955) – Military Dictator

Interim President after the fall of Juan Domingo Perón.

Pedro Eugenio Aramburu (1955 until 1958) – Military Dictator

• Implemented a policy of repression against Peronists and other political opposition.
• Oversaw the return of civilian rule through elections in 1958.

Arturo Frondizi (1958 until 1962) – Intransigent Radical Civic Union (UCRI)

• Elected as a compromise candidate, representing a break from Perón’s policies.
• Promoted foreign investment and industrial development.
• His government faced political unrest and opposition from Peronists.

José María Guido (1962 until 1963) – Senate President

• Assumed the presidency after the military forced President Frondizi’s resignation.
• His presidency was marked by political instability and tensions with the military.

Arturo Illia (1963 until 1966) – Radical Civic Union (UCR)

• Elected on a platform of social justice and transparency in government.
• His presidency emphasized public works and education.
• His government faced opposition from conservative sectors and military interventions.

Juan Carlos Onganía (1966 until 1970) – Military Dictator

• Led a military coup, overthrowing President Illia.
• Established a repressive regime known as the “Argentine Revolution.”

Roberto M. Levingston (1970 until 1971) – Military Dictator

• Came to power after a series of military coups.
• His presidency was marked by social unrest and political divisions.

Alejandro Agustín Lanusse (1971 until 1973) – Military Dictator

• Oversaw the transition to democratic elections.
• Organized elections and paved the way for the return of civilian rule.

Héctor José Cámpora (1973) – Justicialist Party (Peronist)

• Elected as a candidate of the Peronist party.
• His presidency was characterized by political and social unrest.

Raúl Lastiri (1973) – Justicialist Party (Peronist)

Interim President after the resignation of Héctor Cámpora.

Juan Domingo Perón (1973 until 1974) – Justicialist Party (Peronist)

• Elected for the third time as President.
• His third term was marked by economic difficulties and internal struggles within the Peronist party.

María Estela Martínez de Perón (1974 until 1976) – Justicialist Party (Peronist)

• Became President after the death of Juan Domingo Perón.
• Her government faced economic challenges, political violence, and social unrest.

Jorge Rafael Videla (1976 until 1981) – Military Dictator

• Led the military coup that overthrew President Isabel Perón.
• His government implemented a brutal regime known as the “Dirty War,” marked by human rights abuses and disappearances.

Roberto Viola (1981) – Military Dictator

Interim President after the fall of Jorge Videla.

Leopoldo Galtieri (1981 until 1982) – Military Dictator

• Led the military junta during the Falklands War (Malvinas War) against the United Kingdom.
• His government faced international isolation and criticism for the war’s outcome.

Reynaldo Bignone (1982 until 1983) – Military Dictator

• Last President of the military junta.
• Oversaw the transition to democratic elections.

Raúl Alfonsín (1983 until 1989) – Radical Civic Union (UCR)

• Elected as the first President after the military dictatorship.
• His government focused on human rights, transitional justice, and dismantling the military regime.
• Launched the Trial of the Juntas to hold military officials accountable for human rights abuses.
• Faced economic challenges, including hyperinflation and foreign debt.

Carlos Menem (1989 until 1999) – Justicialist Party (Peronist)

• Elected on a platform of economic reform and modernization.
• Implemented neoliberal economic policies, including privatizations and deregulation.
• His presidency faced corruption scandals and political controversies.

Fernando de la Rúa (1999 until 2001) – Alliance for Work, Justice, and Education

• Elected in a coalition government promising transparency and economic stability.
• His presidency faced economic difficulties and increasing social unrest.
• Resigned amidst widespread protests and civil unrest in 2001.

Adolfo Rodríguez Saá (2001) – Justicialist Party (Peronist)

Served as interim President for a brief period during the political crisis in December 2001.

Ramón Puerta (2001) – Justicialist Party (Peronist)

Interim President after the resignation of Adolfo Rodríguez Saá.

Eduardo Duhalde (2002 until 2003) – Justicialist Party (Peronist)

• Assumed the presidency after the economic and political crisis of 2001.
• His government focused on stabilizing the economy and promoting social programs.

Néstor Kirchner (2003 until 2007) – Justicialist Party (Peronist)

• Elected as President, continuing the Peronist legacy.
• His presidency focused on economic recovery, human rights, and social welfare programs.
• His government initiated trials against military officials involved in human rights abuses during the dictatorship.

Cristina Fernández de Kirchner (2007 until 2015) – Justicialist Party (Peronist)

• Elected as the first female President of Argentina.
• Her government continued social welfare programs and focused on economic development.
• Faced political controversies and conflicts with various sectors, including media organizations.

Mauricio Macri (2015 until 2019) – Republican Proposal (PRO)

• Elected on a pro-business platform, promising economic reforms and market-oriented policies.
• His presidency faced economic challenges and criticism over austerity measures.
• Focused on improving Argentina’s international relations and attracting foreign investment.

Alberto Fernández (2019 until present) – Justicialist Party (Peronist)

• Elected as President, with Cristina Fernández de Kirchner as Vice President.
• His government faced the challenge of managing the economic crisis inherited from the previous administration.
• Dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic and implemented measures to contain its spread and support the economy.