Argentine history

[nwm1980]

I'm an Argentine historian as well- albeit from a popular culture perspective- and I can vouch for the quality of the Lewis and Romero texts as general overviews of Argentina's past.

 

[Gringoboy]

The Lopez Rega biography by Marcelo Larraquy has my eyes out on stalks.
Funny thing is that Moreno keeps popping into my head from time to time whilst reading this book.
Surely, I can't think why.........................?

 

[AndyD]

Yes, it was very interesting for me to discover that Belgrano, who is now celebrated and revered, was actually a monarchist!

There is much to celebrate from Belgrano despite him seeking for a monarch for these lands. AFAIK, he wrote little about his ideas on republicanism, but had good rapport with San Martin who liked a constitutional monarchy in the British style.

I don't think the Arg Indie is doing a good job regarding history; you may have read about Belgrano's monarchism in an article where, though being far from the worst historiography published there, had room for improvement imho, affecting its conclusions. I commented it but left out a few things regarding Belgrano. One was that I don't think there is support to saying that he sought a Suarezian monarchy, like the author said, and not one with division of powers. Another one was that I believe it's odd to say that he wanted to revive the Inca empire, as she did; he rather thought that an Inca monarch would be able to unite the South American peoples, particularly the numerous indigenous and mixed populations in Peru.

On the other hand, seeing the chaos in which the early Argentina was submerged for several decades, they may have had a point.

Regarding the OP, Romero and Halperin Donghi's work should be good, I haven't read Lewis' but I'll have it in mind (thanks!), and I would avoid popular Pigna. But, whatever author is read, bear in mind that history is complex and controverted, so each work is generally no more than a piece in a puzzle. Particularly with Argentine historiography, which has been so much manipulated. That's why I mistrust a phrase such as "I have read one book and it has opened my eyes."

 

[BienTeVeo]

By the way, in addition to trying to re-write economic statistics, the Cristinistas are also trying to put their spin on argentine history. They've founded the Instituto Nacional de Revisionismo Histórico Argentino e Iberoamericano Manuel Dorrego, with Pacho O'Donnell at the helm.

 

[PhilinBSAS]

My personal connection with Argentina goes back to 1974 when I lived here as a teenager, albeit under the luxury of being a diplomat's son.
I learned a fair bit during those years, simply from first hand experience, particularly in 1976. ......

So I've now started reading about the history of this country, instead of relying on hearsay and flashbacks. ....

.........all I am really saying is that learning about the history of this country and it's previous turbulence, puts many of it's current woes into sharp perspective.

I'd say that you have already a lot of valid history locked up in your memories and recollections

This is living social history

You should consider writing it out - for those who come later

Dont diminish what you say are "hearsay and flashbacks"!!

Several of the barrios now have their own local history societies - Villa Urquiza and Devoto for instances. As well as "hard" evidence like contemporary documents etc the is a lot more "soft" material that has validity as narrative.

Ex-pats with your insight and perspective are equally valid.

There are precedents! e.g Hudson!

Incidentally what's your take on the Eva Peron Museum? events mainly before your time of course but you lived through the immediately following era that was so influenced.

I also found the Museum of the Immigrants hugely interesting in giving insights into the Argentinian perspective.

I happen to subscribe to the concept of "Living" History and consider there are a lot more original sources to go out and discover rather than just consuming someone else's "history" manufactured through another's eyes and pen and processed so as to be able to meet the costs of being published in a book

Walking the streets, taking photos and notes then reading up afterwards is hugely insightful as a means of personal study of the contemporary history of the City.

Let's not get too snotty - all these little "tourist" trails and information boards the the City Gob have erected are all helpful in a small way in raising awareness and respect for patrimony

 

[Gringoboy]

I agree Phil, it is living history.
As I mentioned, I'm reading the biography of Lopez Rega, a name that even now, forty years later is remembered with rancor.
Reading this book is bringing back a lot of recollections, which as you rightly point out, are locked away but can quickly surface when jolted by some catalyst.
My late father was British Naval Attache here from Nov 1974 to Oct 1976 and we arrived as a family with absolutely no idea what was happening in Argentina at that time.
No doubt my Dad must have known but he certainly didn't let on, maybe not to frighten us.
For my sister, my brother and myself, it was a 'grand adventure'.
I remember the night of 24 March 1976 vividly.
My circumstances on that night were odd the more I think about it.
Some days before, my Dad rushed off to Montevideo with my Mum and sister; my bro was boarding at St Georges and so I was left in charge of the house and staff in Martinez.
He was kind enough to leave a well armed body guard though, ex SAS.
Long story short, said bodyguard and I had a slap up meal at home and for no particular reason decided to take a train to Retiro. It was almost empty, save a few homeless people.
On arriving at Retiro, it appeared deserted, but the few people we saw were rushing for the exits and we followed them. We turned right out of the station and onto Libertador, where we literally were jolted to a halt at the sight of tanks coming through the traffic lights.