Bernardino Rivadavia

Argentina's first president, who pursued modernizing reforms and founded the University of Buenos Aires.

Life

Veteran of the fight against the British

Rivadavia was born in Buenos Aires and fought against the British invasions. During the independence movement he served as government secretary, and from 1815 to 1820 he was on a diplomatic mission in Europe seeking recognition of independence.

Reforming minister

In the 1820s, as a minister in the government of Buenos Aires Province, he carried out sweeping reforms: in 1821 he founded the University of Buenos Aires, reformed the Church, introduced emphyteusis (long-term leasing of public land), and borrowed from Britain.

First President

In 1826 he was elected the first President of the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata and promulgated a centralist constitution, which met fierce opposition from the Federalists in the provinces; after setbacks in the war with Brazil he resigned in 1827. He then went into exile in Europe and died in Cádiz, Spain, in 1845.

Legacy

Rivadavia represented the liberal centralist faction of Buenos Aires, and the clash between his reforming ideals and the interests of the provinces ran through Argentine politics for the next half century.

Major works & achievements

• Founded the University of Buenos Aires

Did you know? His will forbade his body from being taken back to Buenos Aires, but his remains were eventually moved back home anyway.

Key dates

• 1815Diplomatic mission to Europe
• 1821Founded the University of Buenos Aires
• 1826Elected first President
• 1827Resigns
• 1845Dies in Spain