Elpidio González: The Life and Political Career of Argentina's 13th Vice President
Elpidio González was a prominent figure in early 20th-century Argentine politics, serving in some of the highest offices of the state. A dedicated member of the Radical Civic Union (UCR), a political party focused on democratic reform, González navigated a career marked by high-level governance, internal party conflict, and a dramatic personal decline.
Early Life and Academic Foundation
Born on August 1, 1875, in Rosario, Santa Fe Province, Elpidio González was the son of Domingo and Serafina González. He completed his primary and secondary education in his hometown of Rosario before relocating to Córdoba with his mother. It was there that he began his legal studies at the National University of Córdoba.
González eventually completed his legal training and earned his Law Degree from the National University of La Plata in 1907, providing him with the professional credentials necessary to enter the competitive world of Argentine law and politics.
Rise to Political Prominence
The 1910s marked the beginning of González's ascent in national politics. He first gained legislative experience when he was elected as a National Deputy for the city of Buenos Aires in 1912. He continued his legislative service by winning election as a deputy for the Province of Córdoba in 1916.
During the first presidency of Hipólito Yrigoyen (1916–1922), González held several critical security and administrative roles. He served as the Minister of War from 1916 to 1918 and subsequently led the Buenos Aires Police Force as Chief of Police from 1918 to 1921. His influence within his party grew rapidly, culminating in his election as President of the Radical Civic Union in 1921.
The Vice Presidency and Internal Conflict
In 1922, González was elected as the 13th Vice President of Argentina, running on a ticket with President Marcelo T. de Alvear. Their victory came after defeating the Concertación Nacional, a coalition of conservative parties.
Despite their shared party affiliation, the administration was fraught with tension. González often found himself in opposition to President Alvear. This friction was a reflection of a broader schism within the Radical Union between the followers of Hipólito Yrigoyen and the Antipersonalist faction, a group that opposed the centralized leadership and personalist style of Yrigoyen.
Final Years in Government and Personal Decline
When Hipólito Yrigoyen returned to the presidency for a second term in 1928, González was appointed Minister of the Interior. He held this position until September 6, 1930, when a military coup overthrew the government. Following the coup, González was incarcerated for two years.
The final chapter of his life was marked by austerity and principle. He famously refused to accept his pension as a former Vice President of the nation. In his later years, he supported himself by working as a salesman for the Anilinas Colibrí company. Elpidio González died in absolute poverty on October 18, 1951, at the age of 76, and was laid to rest in the La Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires.
Key Facts
- Full Name: Elpidio González
- Political Party: Radical Civic Union (UCR)
- Vice Presidency: Served from October 12, 1922, to October 11, 1928.
- Key Roles: Minister of War, Buenos Aires Chief of Police, and Minister of the Interior.
- Education: Law degree from the National University of La Plata (1907).
- Death: October 18, 1951, in Buenos Aires.
Summary of Political Career
| Role | Period | President/Administration |
|---|---|---|
| National Deputy (Buenos Aires) | 1912 | N/A |
| Minister of War | 1916–1918 | Hipólito Yrigoyen |
| National Deputy (Córdoba) | 1916 | N/A |
| Chief of Police (Buenos Aires) | 1918–1921 | Hipólito Yrigoyen |
| Vice President of Argentina | 1922–1928 | Marcelo T. de Alvear |
| Minister of the Interior | 1928–1930 | Hipólito Yrigoyen |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which political party did Elpidio González belong to?
Elpidio González was a member of the Radical Civic Union (UCR) and served as the party's president in 1921.
Who was the President during González's term as Vice President?
He served as Vice President under President Marcelo T. de Alvear from 1922 to 1928.
What caused the tension between González and President Alvear?
The conflict stemmed from a divide within the Radical Union between those loyal to Hipólito Yrigoyen and the Antipersonalist faction.
What happened to González after the 1930 military coup?
Following the coup on September 6, 1930, González was imprisoned for two years.
How did Elpidio González spend his final years?
He lived in poverty, refusing his vice-presidential pension and working as a salesman for the company Anilinas Colibrí.