Children of Facundo: Caudillo and Gaucho Insurgency During the Argentine State-Formation Process (LA Rioja, 1853-1870)

Rating:
Summary: A new approach to history
Review: This is a study of the disharmony between the Federalists and Unitarians in the province of La Rioja and to a lesser extent the whole of Argentina during the political formative years of 1853 to 1870. The heart of the work is contained in the 1860's when the Federalist Caudillos of La Rioja led rebellions against the government of the Unitarians of Buenos Aires. The nature of the disunity and the outcome are examined from the perspective that the significant regional and societal uniqueness of the Riojana aristocracy and the relationship with the gauchos was the major ingredient for change. The two party interests and alignments created platforms, Unitarismo and Federalismo, that were diametrically opposed. De la Fuente tells this story from the perspective of the commonfolk - the gauchos. Ariel de la Fuente begins his study with an analysis of the Caudillos and the causes that led to the formation of the National State of Argentina and moves quickly in placing the Unitarians and Federalists under the microscope. In this second chapter the author furthers his argument that the significance of the interior residents away from the urban center of Buenos Aires, fully one-half of Argentina's populace at that time, with its repeated rebellions against the Unitarian government impacted the political formation more than any other movement. The fourth chapter, "Gauchos, Montoneros and Montoneras" is a provocative dissection of these people and their modes of rebellion, which is followed up by the fifth chapter's explanation of how the Caudillos (Federalists) were able to cement their own movement. It is not until the sixth chapter that the author's creative usage of political jingles and folklore really becomes apparent. This original use of popular political ditties and folkloric tales is essential to the overarching thesis that it was outside of Buenos Aires that the most significant political growth and change occurred. Ariel de la Fuente does not rely solely upon these postmodernist tradition parcels for his evidence. There is an abundance of the traditionalist primary source materials, such as land records, court documents, and diaries, which will no doubt appease those who find it difficult to accept as hard evidence the oral traditions and folktales in explaining the successful political outcome for the Federalists. The author recognizes that success of the Federalist's movement was due in no small part with the gauchos' ability to become more than an ostensible member of the political process. De la Fuente has assembled a masterful piece of historiographical text that will excite historians of this field, furthermore, this re-worked dissertation is also of enough literary quality that bookstore browsers and history aficionados will not be intimidated. The openness of the text is a reflection of the liberal nature of the source material and the creative strength of the author's interpretive ability. This is without exception a scholarly publication, which might overwhelm the lay person at different intervals. The final two chapters demand that the reader have at the very least a working knowledge of the historical background Argentina, both in political terms and social constructs. Without some grounding in this area it is easy to fall victim to the author's opinions alone. For any students of Latin American/South American history Children of Facundo provides an intimate regional history that is well thought and cogently argued. More attention and explanation might have been made in regard to the songs, stories and oral culture earlier on in the book. After reading chapter six, I connected much better with the first half of the study. This may simply be a matter of personal taste, but I prefer a breakdown of the ethnic structure early on in this type of study, this allows me to create better mental images of the society throughout the read. By the end of the book I had no difficulty in accepting De la Fuente's process of argument and his overall conclusion, this work is a success.