Argentina. Country and People

Last Updated on Wednesday, 22 September 2010 18:44

Up to the 16th century, Argentina was first peopled by Indians who had moved down from the north, but spreading thinly down into the Pampas areas and Patagonia. The Spaniards arrived in Buenos Aires in 1536, which became the capital city in 1776. The British had 2 failed invasions in 1806/07 trying to exploit Spanish weakness after the Napoleonic wars, being repelled by the local people. The Spanish were also driven out and Argentina became an independent state in 1816. Up to the 20th century, following much internal turbulence, the interior was developed  for agricultural exports to Europe, and there was massive immigration from Spain, Italy and other European countries, making Argentina today the most European of the Latin American countries.

Britons came to Argentina in the 19th century, to work on civil engineering projects largely financed by British capital, such as railways, ports, and water supply. They also helped to establish banks, and develop beef production and exports. Some bought major acreages in Patagonia to rear sheep and the Welsh established strong communities here. Many expatriates returned to the UK. following Peron’s nationalisation programme, but still left a significant presence which has been described as ‘Argentinian by day and Anglo by night’.

The war in the South Atlantic proved a difficult time for the Anglo-Argentinians but it did confirm the Argentinian identity and loyalties of many. Marriage between the different national groups is reducing the Englishness of the descendants of former British expatriates.

The 20th century was turbulent, with the aftermath of World War 1 and the Great depression exposing weaknesses in the economy. These problems, civil unrest and political corruption led to a military coup in 1943, and a period of reform and relative stability till 1955. From 1955 till recent times both civil and military governments have been unstable and corrupt, with the worst period called the ‘Dirty War’ resulting in widespread oppression.   
Football is a national passion in Argentina, having been introduced by the British in the 19th century, and some clubs still carry British names.

Argentina won the World Cup in 1978 and 1986, attracts large passionate and partisan crowds at home, and exports many skilful players to the rich European Clubs.

More recently boxing, motor racing, cricket and rugby have gained support, and they allied British game knowledge to Argentine tradition of horsemanship, to become a leading polo nation.

The famous ballroom dance the Tango was developed in the seedier parts of Buenos Aires towards the end of the 19th century, but only became respectable when it became fashionable in Paris. The provinces have a rich heritage of folk dances, one of which is well known, the Zamba.
Beef is the most characteristic national food, and the Gauchos are Argentina’s equivalent to the North American cowboy. The gaucho of today, after repression and the ‘civilising’ of the Pampas, is a rural worker operating on horseback. His forebears however have become heroic figures in national folklore, admired in some areas for their independent spirit.

Dulce de leche, a concoction of milk and sugar, boiled over long periods is a national desert, but fruit is more normal, together with ice cream.

Wine is produced mainly for home consumption, but as the country is now the world’s 4th largest manufacturer, increasing amounts are being exported.
The national drink however is yerba mate, which is a strong herbal tea of native Indian origin. This is traditionally drunk through a metal straw(bombilla), with a strainer at its lower end.