Argentina

Argentina is a South American country with a rich and often turbulent political history, known for its complex interplay between authoritarian regimes, populism, and democratic reforms. The country's history has been shaped by influential figures like José de San Martín, a leader in the fight for independence, and Juan Perón, a populist president whose legacy continues to influence Argentine politics through the movement known as Peronism. Argentina's internal conflicts include the “Dirty War,” a brutal campaign of political repression led by a military junta from 1976 to 1983, during which thousands of perceived dissidents were "disappeared." Argentina also engaged in international disputes, most famously with the United Kingdom over the Falkland Islands (known in Argentina as the Malvinas) in a short but intense conflict in 1982. The country’s economic and social structure was shaped significantly by European immigration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, leading to a largely European-descended population and a strong cattle-ranching and agricultural economy centered on the Pampas. Today, Argentina is known for its vibrant culture, including tango music and dance, and its contributions to literature and sports.

### Clues Frequently Associated with Argentina

1. **Juan and Eva (Evita) Perón**: References to Juan Perón, his wife Eva (or "Evita"), and his subsequent wife Isabel are common. These clues often highlight Juan Perón's populist policies, support from the working-class "descamisados" (shirtless ones), and his role in shaping modern Argentine politics.

2. **Dirty War**: The Dirty War (La Guerra Sucia), a period of state terrorism under the military dictatorship, involved the disappearance of thousands of suspected left-wing opponents. This is frequently mentioned alongside leaders like Jorge Videla and organizations like the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo, who protested the disappearances.

3. **Falklands War**: Argentina's 1982 conflict with the United Kingdom over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) is a recurring topic, often mentioned alongside the sinking of the Argentine ship *General Belgrano* by a British submarine.

4. **José de San Martín and Independence**: San Martín, a key leader in South America's independence from Spain, is often noted in conjunction with battles like the Battle of Chacabuco and the May Revolution, events that marked Argentina’s journey to independence.

5. **Buenos Aires**: As Argentina’s capital and largest city, Buenos Aires is frequently mentioned in questions. It’s known for its cultural and historical landmarks, such as the Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada, and is often associated with both political movements and social issues in Argentina.

6. **Conquest of the Desert**: This campaign led by General Julio Roca in the 1870s expanded Argentine territory into indigenous lands in Patagonia. This event is often discussed in relation to Roca's legacy and Argentina's conflicts with indigenous groups like the Mapuche.

7. **La Nación and Other Media**: Argentina's conservative newspaper *La Nación*, founded by President Bartolomé Mitre, is sometimes used to refer to conservative and historical political stances within the country.

### Related Quizbowl Facts That Appeared in More Than One Toss-Up

1. **Juan Manuel de Rosas** was a prominent caudillo and dictator in the 19th century, often associated with the Mazorca police force and criticized by Domingo Sarmiento in the book *Facundo*.

2. **Descamisados** was a term used to describe the working-class supporters of Juan Perón, which translates to "shirtless ones."

3. **Jorge Videla** led Argentina during the Dirty War, a period marked by widespread human rights abuses and forced disappearances of leftist dissidents.

4. **Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo** was a human rights organization that protested the disappearance of their children during the Dirty War by marching in the Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires.

5. **Falklands (Malvinas) War** was the 1982 war between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands, leading to Argentina’s eventual defeat.

6. **Bartolomé Mitre** was a 19th-century Argentine president who led the country during the War of the Triple Alliance and founded *La Nación* newspaper.

7. **Congress of Tucumán** declared Argentina's independence from Spain in 1816, formalizing the break from colonial rule.

8. **Ezeiza Massacre** occurred in 1973 when left-wing Montoneros were killed by right-wing snipers upon Juan Perón's return from exile.

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#### Fill-in-the-Blanks Practice:

1. The "descamisados" were the working-class supporters of ___1___, known for their allegiance to his populist policies.

2. The Dirty War, a period of political repression led by ___2___, involved the disappearance of thousands of Argentine citizens.

3. The 1982 conflict over the Falkland Islands between Argentina and the United Kingdom is often referred to as the ___3___ War.

4. ___4___ led Argentina's independence movement and famously crossed the Andes to help liberate Chile and Peru.

5. The Mothers of the ___5___ protested the Argentine dictatorship's practice of "disappearing" dissidents.

6. The controversial 19th-century Argentine caudillo ___6___ was criticized by Domingo Sarmiento in *Facundo*.

7. ___7___ led the "Conquest of the Desert," a campaign against indigenous peoples in Patagonia.

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**Answers:**

1. Juan Perón

2. Jorge Videla

3. Falklands (Malvinas)

4. José de San Martín

5. Plaza de Mayo

6. Juan Manuel de Rosas

7. Julio Roca

This list provides an overview of significant themes, historical events, and influential figures in **Argentine history**, particularly emphasizing the **Perón era**, **military dictatorship**, and **social and territorial conflicts**. Here’s an analysis of each clue with frequencies included:

1. **Juan Perón (43 times)**: Perón, who served as president of Argentina multiple times, founded **Peronism**, a political movement focused on social justice, labor rights, and nationalism. His leadership deeply shaped Argentine politics and society.

2. **Dirty War (41 times)**: The **Dirty War** (1976-1983) was a period of state terrorism and repression under Argentina’s military dictatorship, targeting suspected dissidents and leading to thousands of disappearances, known as the **disappeared**.

3. **Descamisados ("the shirtless ones") (29 times)**: This term refers to the working-class supporters of Juan and **Eva Perón**. The descamisados symbolize the populist base of Peronism and the Peróns' appeal to the marginalized.

4. **Evita (Eva Perón) (27 times)**: **Eva Perón**, or Evita, was a powerful political figure and advocate for the working class and women’s rights. She became a national icon and remains one of Argentina’s most beloved historical figures.

5. **Falklands War (25 times)**: The **Falklands War** (1982) between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the Falkland Islands was a short but intense conflict. Argentina’s defeat weakened the military regime and contributed to the restoration of democracy.

6. **Jorge Videla (24 times)**: As a leading figure of the military junta during the **Dirty War**, **Videla** was responsible for severe human rights abuses. His leadership is remembered for brutal repression and the targeting of political opponents.

7. **Buenos Aires (capital city) (21 times)**: Buenos Aires, the political, cultural, and economic center of Argentina, has been central to the country’s historical developments, including independence movements, political rallies, and cultural evolution.

8. **Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo (18 times)**: This organization, formed by mothers of the disappeared, protested human rights abuses and demanded justice during and after the **Dirty War**. They are a lasting symbol of resistance and advocacy for human rights.

9. **Conquest of the Desert (16 times)**: The **Conquest of the Desert** was a military campaign led by **Julio Roca** to assert Argentine control over Patagonia, resulting in the displacement and deaths of many Indigenous Mapuche people.

10. **Juan Manuel de Rosas (16 times)**: A 19th-century Argentine caudillo (strongman), Rosas ruled with authoritarian control. He is remembered for his nationalism, anti-Indigenous policies, and polarizing legacy in Argentine politics.

11. **Isabel Perón (15 times)**: **Isabel Perón**, Juan Perón’s third wife, became Argentina’s first female president after his death. Her presidency was marked by political instability, leading to the military coup that initiated the **Dirty War**.

12. **Ezeiza massacre (14 times)**: This violent event occurred when supporters of Perón clashed with his opponents at the Ezeiza Airport in 1973, highlighting internal divisions within Peronism.

13. **Montoneros (13 times)**: The **Montoneros** were a left-wing Peronist guerrilla group active during the 1960s and 1970s. They played a prominent role in the political unrest leading up to the Dirty War.

14. **Jose de San Martín (13 times)**: **San Martín** was a leading figure in South America’s struggle for independence from Spain, especially in Argentina, Chile, and Peru. He is celebrated as a national hero in Argentina.

15. **War of the Triple Alliance (11 times)**: This war (1864-1870), involving Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay against Paraguay, was one of South America’s deadliest conflicts, resulting in significant losses for Paraguay.

16. **Hipólito Yrigoyen (11 times)**: **Yrigoyen**, the first Argentine president elected by popular vote, was a major figure of the **Radical Civic Union (UCR)** and introduced social reforms to address the needs of the working class.

17. **Infamous Decade (10 times)**: This period (1930-1943) was marked by political corruption, economic instability, and authoritarianism, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and laying the groundwork for Peronism.

18. **May Revolution (10 times)**: The **May Revolution** of 1810 set the stage for Argentina’s independence from Spain, marking the beginning of the **Argentine War of Independence**.

19. **Operation Condor (9 times)**: This coordinated effort between South American military dictatorships (including Argentina’s) targeted political dissidents across borders, resulting in numerous human rights violations.

20. **Plaza de Mayo (9 times)**: **Plaza de Mayo** in Buenos Aires is historically significant as the site of key political events, including protests by the **Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo**.

21. **Mapuche (8 times)**: The Mapuche, an Indigenous people of Patagonia, were heavily affected by Argentina’s **Conquest of the Desert**. Their culture and history are a significant part of Argentina’s heritage.

22. **Congress of Tucumán (8 times)**: This assembly formally declared Argentina’s independence from Spain in 1816, marking a critical step in Argentina’s path to becoming a sovereign nation.

23. **La Nación (newspaper) (7 times)**: Founded in 1870, **La Nación** is one of Argentina’s oldest and most influential newspapers, playing a key role in shaping public opinion.

24. **Carlos Menem (7 times)**: **Menem** was president from 1989 to 1999, implementing economic reforms such as privatization but also facing criticism for corruption and controversial policies.

25. **Cristina Fernández de Kirchner (7 times)**: **Kirchner** served as Argentina’s president (2007-2015) and was known for her populist policies, emphasis on social welfare, and strong political presence, continuing her husband Néstor Kirchner’s legacy.

26. **Triple A (death squad) (6 times)**: The **Argentine Anticommunist Alliance** (Triple A) was a right-wing paramilitary group targeting leftist opponents during the 1970s, contributing to political violence in Argentina.

27. **National Reorganization Process (6 times)**: The **National Reorganization Process** was the name given to Argentina’s military dictatorship during the **Dirty War**, known for its severe repression and human rights abuses.

28. **Sáenz Peña Law (compulsory voting) (5 times)**: This 1912 law established **secret and compulsory voting**, making Argentina one of the first countries to adopt democratic electoral reforms.

29. **Bernardino Rivadavia (5 times)**: Argentina’s first president, **Rivadavia** was known for his reforms and promotion of liberal policies, though his presidency was marred by political challenges.

30. **Generación del '80 (5 times)**: This influential political and intellectual group promoted European immigration, economic development, and modernization in Argentina during the late 19th century.

31. **"Loyalty Day" (4 times)**: **Loyalty Day**, celebrated on October 17, marks the mass rally in 1945 that demonstrated support for Perón and helped secure his political future.

32. **Pope Francis (4 times)**: Born **Jorge Mario Bergoglio** in Buenos Aires, Pope Francis is the first Argentine pope, known for his emphasis on social justice and humility.

33. **Patagonia (4 times)**: Patagonia, a sparsely populated region in southern Argentina, has significant cultural and historical importance, especially regarding Indigenous rights and Argentine territorial expansion.

34. **Adolf Eichmann (captured in Argentina) (4 times)**: **Eichmann**, a Nazi war criminal, was captured by Israeli agents in Argentina in 1960, bringing global attention to Argentina’s post-WWII history.

35. **Bartolomé Mitre (4 times)**: **Mitre** was a 19th-century Argentine president and historian who promoted a unified national identity and helped shape Argentina’s educational and cultural institutions.

36. **Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata (4 times)**: Established in 1776, the **Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata** included present-day Argentina and was an important Spanish colonial administration that laid the foundation for Argentina’s independence.

37. **Mauricio Macri (3 times)**: **Macri** served as Argentina’s president from 2015 to 2019, implementing pro-market reforms but facing economic challenges and political opposition.

38. **General Belgrano (ship sunk in Falklands War) (3 times)**: The **General Belgrano** was an Argentine ship sunk by a British submarine during the Falklands War, a significant and controversial incident in the conflict.

39. **Alpargatas ("yes, books no" chant) (3 times)**: This slogan, favoring populist values over elite intellectualism, reflects social and political sentiments in Argentina, especially during Peronist eras.

40. **Jewish population and AMIA bombing (3 times)**: Argentina has the largest Jewish community in Latin America, and the **AMIA bombing** in 1994, a terrorist attack on a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, remains a tragic and unresolved case.

41. **Julio Roca (3 times)**: Roca, a key figure in the **Conquest of the Desert**, served as president and promoted national expansion