Imagining the State and Building the Nation: The Case of Nineteenth-Century Argentina

This work analyzes the interplay between the development of the state in nineteenth-century Argentina and the attempts to forge a sense of nation within a significant portion of the population. By distinguishing between the two concepts- state-building and nation-building - the study follows their different developmental paths. The historical literature is reviewed revealing two themes: a record of great economic and cultural development made possible by an elite inspired by liberal ideas derived principally from Europe, as contrasted with a conservative and nationalist view that celebrated the rural and native cultural norms. Regardless of their ideological perspectives, however, both sides shared a great deal of authoritarian traits and implemented measures aimed at establishing and maintaining social control through force.