Bartolomé Mitre

The president who unified Argentina, allied commander in the War of the Triple Alliance, and founder of La Nación.

Life

Young exile

In his youth Mitre opposed Rosas and lived in exile in Uruguay, Chile and elsewhere, working as a soldier and journalist. After Rosas fell, he became a leading figure in Buenos Aires.

Unification and war

In 1861 he defeated Urquiza's Confederation army at the Battle of Pavón, and the next year he was elected president of a unified Argentina (1862–1868), establishing national judicial, fiscal and postal systems. When the War of the Triple Alliance broke out in 1865 he became allied commander-in-chief, but the disastrous defeat at the Battle of Curupayty brought him heavy criticism.

Journalist and historian

After leaving office he founded La Nación in 1870, still one of Argentina's leading newspapers; he also wrote works of historiography such as the History of Belgrano and the History of San Martín. He died in 1906.

Legacy

Mitre completed the political unification of Argentina, and his historical works shaped the classic Argentine narrative of the War of Independence.

Major works & achievements

• La Nación
• History of Belgrano
• History of San Martín

Did you know? He translated Dante's The Divine Comedy.

Key dates

• 1852Returns home after the fall of Rosas
• 1861Wins the Battle of Pavón
• 1862Elected President
• 1865Commander-in-chief of the Triple Alliance forces
• 1870Founds La Nación
• 1906Died