Who ruled Argentina before independence?

Argentina has a long and complex history, with many different groups and peoples ruling over the territory now known as Argentina. Before the country gained independence from Spain in 1816, Argentina was led by the Spanish Empire for over three centuries.

The Spanish arrived in Argentina in the 16th century, led by Spanish conquistadors. They established a colonial system that exploited the resources and labor of the indigenous population and established a rigid social hierarchy that favored Spanish-born colonizers over the native population.

Under Spanish rule, Argentina was part of the Viceroyalty of Peru, established in 1542. However, in 1776, the Spanish Crown established the Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata, which included Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and parts of Bolivia and Brazil. This new viceroyalty was established in response to the growing importance of Buenos Aires as a center of trade and commerce in the region.

The Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata was ruled by a ruler appointed by the Spanish Crown. The ruler was responsible for governing the territory and was assisted by a council of advisors and other officials.

During Spanish rule, the indigenous peoples of Argentina were subjected to forced labor, forced conversion to Christianity, and other forms of exploitation and oppression. The Spanish also brought diseases that decimated the indigenous population, drastically declining their numbers.

Despite the harsh conditions of Spanish colonial rule, the people of Argentina began to develop a sense of national identity and a desire for independence. This led to the May Revolution of 1810 when a group of Argentine patriots overthrew the Spanish viceroy in Buenos Aires and established a provisional government.

The struggle for independence from Spanish rule continued for several years and was marked by many battles and fights. However, on July 9, 1816, Argentina officially declared independence from Spain after a long and arduous struggle for freedom.

In conclusion, before gaining independence from Spain in 1816, Argentina was ruled by the Spanish Empire for over three centuries. The Spanish established a colonial system that exploited the resources and labor of the indigenous population and established a rigid social hierarchy that favored Spanish-born colonizers over the native population.