Argentina: A Modern History

by Jill Hedges

In the early 20th century, Argentina possessed one of the world's most prosperous economies, yet since then Argentina has suffered a series of boom-and-bust cycles that have seen it fall well behind its regional neighbours. At the same time, despite the lack of significant ethnic or linguistic divisions, Argentina has failed to create an over-arching post-independence national identity and its political and social history has been marred by frictions, violence and a 50-year series of military coups d'etat. In this book, Jill Hedges analyses the modern history of Argentina from the adoption of the 1853 constitution until the present day, exploring political, economic and social aspects of Argentina's recent past in a study which will be invaluable for anyone interested in South American history and politics.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Hbombme · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought the book could have benefitted from better editing for readability. The author uses an excessive amount of words and long sentences to make simple points -- not infrequently using double negatives -- and at times paragraphs full of platitudes and neutral statements that add no value to the reading experience. The author jumps across topics and most importantly historical figures, often making it hard to connect the chronological order of events and relative importance of figures in Argentinian history. The discussion of Peron years is most interesting and best written. I am glad I had read the book, but I would suggest to look elsewhere for a more coherent and cohesive introduction to the history of Argentina.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dense and exhaustive, the work goes a long way to explaining "what happened" economically and politically in Argentina from the 1850s to the beginnings of the Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner era in the early 2010s.

According to Hedges' presentation, Argentina went through a period of disorganization in the years after independence, pulling itself together after the 1850s and eventually emerging into an economic powerhouse and immigration magnet by the late 1800s. By the early 20th century, Argentina was one of the world's wealthiest countries, despite an indifferent track record on democratic engagement and a preference for "third position," non-aligned geopolitics.

The book is academic in nature, presenting a breadth and depth of research in what is essentially a course survey on recent Argentine political and economic history. For the non-scholarly reader (such as myself), this might be daunting and can even be confusing at times. For example, I struggled keeping up with the various historical figures, organizational entities, and abbreviations that make re-appearances in the narrative. I read an ebook version of the work, so it made it difficult to return to previous passages to double-check references; the print version might be easier to maneuver.

Nonetheless, if you have an interest in Argentine history and wonder how it went from one of the world's wealthiest countries, through the Juan and Eva Peron era, into the Dirty War of the 1970s and '80s, and emerged on the other side as a democratic country, but one with persistent challenges, the book may appeal to you.

Tellingly, where the book becomes more than an efficient survey is in the chapters on Juan and Eva Peron and the Peronist movement. I am now reading Hedges' biography of Eva Peron, and it is clear this is a topic that is close to her mind and heart. While just as well researched, that subject matter lends itself to a writing style that feels more welcoming to the general reader.

I wonder if Hedges at some point will tackle the story of the Kirchners, Nestor and his wife Cristina, the dominant political leadership in Argentina from the 2000s onward. In this work, you get a sense of what they are about, their motivations, their successes, failures, and foibles. It would be interesting to read a fuller account of their time in office--which, as of this writing, is not yet done as Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner is the current candidate for vice president of Argentina.

[David Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really didn’t know very much about Argentine history before reading this book so I’m in no position to comment on how it fits in with other historical narratives. However, it seems to strike an objective balance between either vilifying Peron and the Peronistas or in the alternative, turning them into saints. It certainly makes me appreciate how difficult the modern history has been for most people in Argentina. What I find fascinating is that the parties don’t fall neatly into left and right categories, but unfortunately, most seem to share a very strong authoritarian streak. This is probably why it’s very difficult to figure out if Peron was a left-wing government or right wing government. As the book brings us into the modern era, it does appear that Argentina‘s democracy is stabilizing. We seem along way from the time of the generals and the death squads. However, structural economic insecurity, and what a time appears to be an almost impossible series of economic problems, including rampant, inflation, massive unemployment, and deep, structural inequality, scene to continue to bedevil the. nation. I thought this was an excellent primer.

[Reza Amiri Praramadhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

From its beginning as pirates’ hideout, Argentina has experienced many booms and busts. From the iron rule of Juan Manuel de Rosas, the populist rule of Juan Peron (along with his iconic first wife, Evita, and the incompetent Isabel), not forgotten also the numerous military coups (my favourite would be the most notorious of all, the National Reorganisation Process, which only occupies five pages). Even after its return to democracy, Argentinean politics are still focused on some political figures, such as Menem phenomenon. I got this book on my hand only because it was on sale, and the subject not really my interest.

[Berrin Oenguen · Rating 3 out of 5]

At times repetitive, at other times it does not explain historical events or connections clearly, necessitating either background knowledge or further reading. I would have appreciated a more in-depth explanation of the Dirty War, for example - the topic was more alluded to than properly explained and examined in the book. Nevertheless, it's a good starting point to learn more about modern argentine history, if mostly for a lack of English language alternatives.

[John Crippen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Early short chapters cover from 1853 through the Golden Age (1880-1930) and the Infamous "Decade" (1930-143). Most of the book is about Peron and Peronism. The last chapter is a hurried survey of post-Menem political activity up to but not including the 2011 presidential election. Dry and more focused on politics than on economics, it did help me start to get a feel for Argentine history.

[Guilherme · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting as an overview. The best part if by far the description of the Peronist era. But at times the books goes way too fast. I expected much more color on the Falklands War, for example, but the books dedicates to it one paragraph at best. Also at times it just throws at you a bunch of names and political parties and it gets confusing.

[Janine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A political and economic analysis of modern Argentina from 1853 onwards. It explains Peronism well, and its continued appeal even though the author does not seem to be a great fan. Little attention paid to social or cultural factors or everyday life.