Bernardino Rivadavia
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Bernardino de la Trinidad Gónzalez Rivadavia y Rivadavia (Buenos Aires May 20, 1780 - 1845) was the first president of Argentina, from 8 February 1826 to 9 August 1827. He was married to Juana del Pino, daughter of the viceroy, and later married to Wilhelmina Van der Pool.
Rivadavia was born in Buenos Aires in 1780. He was active in both the Argentine resistance to the British invasion of 1806 and in the movement for Argentine Independence in 1810. In 1811, Rivadavia became the dominating member of the governing triumverate. Until its fall in October of 1812, this government focused on creating a strong central government and moderating relations with Spain. It also eliminated slavery, created freedom of the press, and organized an army.
Rivadavia was later sent to Europe to better Argentine relations with England and Spain. He returned six years later, in May of 1821. In June of that year, he was named minister of government to Manuel José de García. Over the next five years he exerted a strong influence, and focused heavily on improving the capital city of Buenos Aires, often at the expense of greater Argentina. In attempts to make the city more European, Rivadavia founded constructed large avenues, schools, paved and lighted streets, and Academies dedicated to theater, geology, and medicine.
A strong supporter of a powerful, centralized government in Argentina, Rivadavia often faced violent resistance from the opposition federalists.
In 1926, Rivadavia was elected the first president of Argentina. During his term he founded the University of Buenos Aires, many museums, and expanded the national library.
His government faced many problems, primarily regarding the ongoing war with Brazil over territory in modern Uruguay and resistance from provicial authorities. Rivadavia renounced his position in 1827 and was exiled to Europe. He was succeeded by Vicente López y Planes.
He returned to Argentina in 1834 to confront his political enemies, but was immediately sentenced again to exile. He went first to Brazil and then to Spain, where he died September 2, 1845.
| Preceded by: none | President of Argentina | Succeeded by: Vicente López y Planes |
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