Argentine Declaration of Independence
On July 9, 1816, a pivotal moment in South American history unfolded during the Congress of Tucumán. While today this event is widely recognized as the Independence of Argentina, the delegates actually declared the independence of the United Provinces of South America, one of the official names of the Argentine Republic. This bold act sought to formally sever ties with the Spanish Empire and any other foreign domination.
The process was complex, involving a diverse group of delegates and navigating a landscape of internal conflict and external threats. While the United Provinces moved toward sovereignty, the Federal League Provinces—including the Eastern Province (modern-day Uruguay) and the littoral provinces of Santa Fé, Entre Ríos, Corrientes, and Misiones—were excluded from the proceedings.
Key Facts
- Date of Ratification: July 9, 1816.
- Primary Author: Juan José Paso.
- Governing Body: The Congress of Tucumán.
- Signatories: 29 delegates.
- Core Objective: Independence from the Spanish Empire and all other foreign powers.
- Original Document: The original Act is lost; a copy is held in the General Archive of the Argentine Nation.
The Causes of the Revolution
The path to independence began with the May Revolution of 1810. This uprising was triggered by the deposition of the Spanish King Ferdinand VII by Napoleon Bonaparte's French forces. The revolution effectively ended the authority of Viceroy Cisneros and established the Primera Junta, the first local government.
By 1814, the political climate shifted. The Spanish monarchy resumed its functions, and Spain was determined to reclaim its American colonies. Simultaneously, royalist forces from Peru achieved significant military victories at the battles of Huaqui, Vilcapugio, Ayohuma, and Sipe-Sipe in Upper Peru, posing a severe threat to the United Provinces from the north.
Internal instability also played a role. On April 15, 1815, a revolution ended the term of Supreme Director Carlos María de Alvear, leading to demands for a General Congress. This resulted in the assembly of delegates—one for every 14,000 inhabitants—who began their sessions on March 24, 1816.
Development of the Congress of Tucumán
The Congress opened in the city of Tucumán with 33 deputies. To ensure fairness, the presidency of the Congress rotated monthly. Because the delegates had broad freedom to choose their topics of debate, the sessions were often marked by lengthy and exhaustive discussions.
The deadlock ended on July 9, 1816, with the formal declaration of independence. The document cited the political chaos in Europe over the previous six years, specifically the removal of the Spanish King and Ferdinand VII's subsequent refusal to accept constitutional rule. The delegates argued that sovereignty had actually returned to Spanish America in 1808 upon the King's deposition, meaning the union between the Peninsula and its overseas territories had already been dissolved. This legal reasoning mirrored the independence movements in Mexico (1810) and Venezuela (1811).
At the time of the vote, Francisco Narciso de Laprida, a delegate from San Juan, served as the president of the Congress. Following the declaration, the focus shifted to determining the form of government for the new state.
The Congress eventually moved to Buenos Aires in 1817 but ceased operations in 1820 following the Battle of Cepeda. This conflict highlighted the deep divide between the Unitarian Party, which advocated for a strong central government, and the Federales, who preferred a decentralized system.
Today, the site where this historic declaration was adopted has been rebuilt as the House of Tucumán, serving as both a museum and a national monument.
Signatories and Recognition
The declaration was signed by 29 delegates, including key figures such as President Francisco Narciso de Laprida, Vice-president Mariano Boedo, and secretaries José Mariano Serrano and Juan José Paso. Notably, the Congress included representatives from regions of Upper Peru that would later become part of Bolivia, such as Charcas, Chibchas, and Mizque.
To ensure the message reached a wider population, the Spanish text was translated into Quechua and Aymara, with the Aymara version attributed to Vicente Pazos Kanki.
International recognition of the new nation occurred gradually over several decades:
| Nation/Entity | Year of Recognition |
|---|---|
| Kingdom of Hawaiʻi | 1818 |
| Portugal | 1821 |
| Brazil | 1822 |
| United States of America | 1822 |
| United Kingdom | 1823 |
| France | 1830 |
| Denmark | 1841 |
| United Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway | 1847 |
| Spain | 1857 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote the Argentine Declaration of Independence?
The primary author of the declaration was Juan José Paso.
Why was the declaration made in Tucumán rather than Buenos Aires?
The Congress of Tucumán was convened to bring together delegates from the various United Provinces, though some regions, like the Federal League Provinces, were not permitted to participate.
What was the legal justification for independence?
The delegates argued that the union with Spain was dissolved in 1808 when King Ferdinand VII was deposed by Napoleon, thereby returning sovereignty to the overseas dominions.
Which countries recognized Argentina's independence first?
The Kingdom of Hawaiʻi was the first to recognize independence in 1818, followed by Portugal in 1821 and the United States and Brazil in 1822.
What happened to the original Act of Independence?
The original Act of Independence was lost; however, a copy is preserved in the General Archive of the Argentine Nation.